Nomination process

Every year, our graduates continue to engage with the University on a voluntary basis. Right across the University, our volunteers' contribution enables us to deliver a broader, richer programme to students. It strengthens the relationship between the University and industry, and it helps to raise the profile of Ulster University locally and globally. Not only does this support benefit our current students and teams, but it also helps inspire prospective students and encourage fellow graduates to remain involved with the University.

If you know an amazing, talented and worthy Ulster University graduate, who has committed their time to give back to the University, why not nominate them for this prestigious award? Students, staff and the wider community are all welcome to nominate for the Allstate student and graduate awards.

We are delighted to be able to recognise these contributions with the Allstate NI Graduate Volunteer of the Year award.

Nominations are now open and will close at the end of June. You can find more about the criteria and access the nomination form below.

Criteria

The Allstate NI Graduate Volunteer Award recognises an Ulster University graduate’s significant commitment to the University through giving their time and expertise to help students, staff and fellow graduates. In its inaugural year, this was awarded to Anne Rowe who has volunteered over many years in support of the University. Anne sits on the Student Opportunity Disbursement Committee, in a member of the University Convocation and was an active member of the Alumni Association, attending events and reunions over many years.

In order to qualify as a Graduate Volunteer nominee, graduates must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduates must have committed time and expertise to the University in support of its goals, to advance the student experience, enhance the University’s reputation, support student recruitment activities, improve the employability of our students/graduates and support our alumni community.
  • The Alumni Volunteer of the Year may have shared an inspirational career journey, participated in panel discussions, been a key-note speaker, provided case studies and testimonials, delivered talks and participated in webinars, taken part in mentoring or offered placement and job opportunities.
  • Nominations can be made by staff, graduates, students or members of the community.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.

View full list of Graduate Volunteer Award Winners

  • Previous Graduate Volunteer Award Winners
    Award Winners
    YearWinner
    2024

    Barry Dillon: Ulster University Alumnus
    BA Hons Hospitality Management, 1998

    2023
    Karolyn Gaston: Ulster University Alumna
    BA Combines Studies, 2002
    Postgraduate Certificate Event Management, 2015
    MBA  Business Administration, 2018
    2022Anne Rowe: Member of Ulster University Convocation
    BA Hons English and Education 1974 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine

Winners

Barry Dillon, 2024 image

Barry Dillon, 2024

Barry Dillon, Ulster University Graduate Volunteer of the Year Award Winner 2024. This award is kindly sponsored by Allstate NI....

Karolyn Gaston, 2023 image

Karolyn Gaston, 2023

Karolyn Gaston, three-time graduate and former employee, Allstate NI / Ulster University Graduate Volunteer of the Year Award Winner 2023....

Anne Rowe, 2022 image

Anne Rowe, 2022

Anne Rowe, former Senior Career Development Advisor at Ulster University has been named Allstate NI / Ulster University Graduate Volunteer...