The Ulster University 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. The Allstate NI Graduate Volunteer is a true ambassador of Ulster University, who gives their time and energy, willingly, eagerly and repeatedly, to make a lasting difference for students, the university, their local community and wider society.
It is our pleasure to announce the 2023 Graduate Volunteer Award Winner, Karolyn Gaston. As a former employee and three-time graduate, Karolyn has volunteered with Ulster University for thirty years, working tirelessly behind the scenes in the sporting and social life of the University, as well as mentoring students and being an active contributor to our growing alumni community.
In 2016, Karolyn single-handedly recruited and managed a team of volunteers to help with the Sigerson GAA Cup at our Sports Village in Jordanstown. The tournament director and participating teams all praised Karolyn for her organisation of the tournament and expressed that they had never been treated so well before. Karolyn’s influence elevated the tournament and university’s reputation, and reflects the caring, community-focused ethos of the University.
Karolyn has played a key role and made a significant contribution to supporting the setup of the Junior Parkrun at our Jordanstown Sports Village. Karolyn was one of our first Run Directors and remains a dedicated and passionate member of the core volunteer team 6 years later.
Karolyn’s positivity is infectious and uplifts those around her. She is a key advocate for ‘getting involved’ and without her, many of the Ulster University community events at Jordanstown Sports Village would not take place.
Karolyn’s passion for volunteering carriers over into other areas of her life and work. As a Youth Development Leader at the Prince’s Trust, Karolyn transforms the lives of young people by supporting them into education, work or training, and inspires them to realise their full potential. Karolyn has also extensive volunteering accolades at the local, national and international levels, where she has led and managed high performing teams at major events. For example, she was the main Media Operations Lead at the 2021 UEFA Super Cup in Belfast, she was a Games Maker and Team Marshall at all road cycling events for Team GB during the Olympic Games in London in 2012, and most recently, Karolyn has volunteered in the digital team for the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf.
I am delighted, proud and honoured
“As a triple graduate of Ulster University and a member of our alumni community, I am delighted, proud and honoured to receive this award from my alma mater.
Big thank you to Allstate NI, not only for this award, but also for the inspirational support and commitment they offer their staff to fulfil their volunteer aspirations which in turn benefits local communities.”
Kindly sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland
