Many congratulations to our alumni volunteers, Zarina Sharil Khan (BSc 1998), Savannah Coombe (BA 2020) and David Richards (BSc 1988, PhD 1995), this year’s winners of the Alumni Association Community Award.
Zarina Sharil Khan (BSc 1998) was awarded the community award for her longstanding contribution to the alumni community. Zarina has been organising events and activities for the University of Bristol Alumni Association Malaysian network for over 20 years and has kept the network connected through covid. Zarina has also created ‘Bristol Talks’, an online event series featuring Bristol alumni from or based in Malaysia.
David Richards (BSc 1988, PhD 1995) and Savannah Coombe (BA 2020) were also awarded the Alumni Association Community Award for organising the hugely successful Alumni Showcase, bringing together 500 alumni, students and staff in a series of digital events over two days. The programme included virtual tours and talks, discussion panels, a photo competition, and a University Challenge tournament. Both David and Savannah worked tirelessly to pull the event together, working closely with the Bristol SU Global Lounge as part of the event. The event was a great success and had a huge impact on the alumni community and University.
Heather Proctor (BSc 1964) and Gowrishankar Sivabala (MSc 2012) were also recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ for their long-standing commitment and contributions to Bristol alumni communities in Canada, India and Sri Lanka.
The Alumni Association Community Award (previously known as the Alumni Association Medal) recognises volunteers who have worked hard to build and strengthen the University’s alumni community. Previously, winners of this award received a medal to recognise their brilliant efforts. This year the committee recognises winners with a sponsored tree, made available through the Treebristol scheme, which include a plaque to acknowledge the winners. This new award acknowledges the University’s commitment to sustainability.
The Alumni Association is the official body of the University’s alumni community and anyone that has studied at the University automatically becomes a member. The Alumni Association Committee represents the Association and celebrates individuals who have championed the Alumni Association through their service.