A new award introduced in 2022, the Graduate Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland and recognises an Ulster University graduate’s significant commitment to the University through giving their time and expertise to help students, staff and fellow graduates.
Anne graduated from Ulster University in 1974 with a BA Hons in English and Education.
Following several years teaching she took up the post of Careers Information Officer at Queen's University, Belfast before moving to Ulster University in 1995. Anne retired from her position as Senior Career Development Adviser at Ulster University in 2011.
In addition to her professional role at Ulster University, throughout her life Anne has selflessly volunteered her skills and time to help support both the work of the university and the experience of individual students.
For over 30 years Anne was an extremely active member of the Alumni Association, volunteering at many reunions and events organised by the Alumni Office and taking a leadership role as voluntary President of the Association.
As a former Chair of the Alumni Association Executive Committee, which represents the interests of graduates of Ulster University, Anne spent many hours in the service of alumni and students, including as a member of Selection Panel for the Ulster University Distinguished Graduate Award.
Anne is a current member of the Ulster University Convocation Committee, having previously held the role of Chair from 2006 to 2010.
The role of the Convocation Committee is to provide a formal channel through which its voluntary members may communicate their views and opinions, support the work of Ulster University, and safeguard the good reputation of the University.
The Convocation Committee also acts as a forum for discussion and debate as well as organising events and sponsoring awards and prizes.
Anne is also a member of the Biomedical Sciences Ethics group where she reviews research papers prior to their approval and is a member of the Optometry Patient Liaison Board.
Anne is a current member of the Ulster University Student Opportunity Fund’s Disbursement Committee, assessing the stories behind the many applications from students seeking financial support. This Fund aims to protect our most vulnerable students and support our most talented and committed students to reach their full potential.
The Ulster University Student Opportunity Fund is only possible due to the generous donations from our graduates and staff and this year it has given financial assistance to 75 students. As well as giving so generously her time and talent to the fund Committee, Anne is a long-term donor to the Ulster University Student Opportunity Fund and is a vocal and inspiring advocate for the fund as a speaker at events, through contributing to print articles, and by acting as a passionate champion to potential individual donors.
Continuing her life-long involvement with individual students and their career paths, Anne has often formally acted as a volunteer mentor to UU students, most recently through our online platform UUConnects.com
Kindly sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland
