University Outstanding Student Contribution Awards

In July 2017 we were delighted to see two of our MB ChB finalists awarded Outstanding Student Contribution Awards at their graduation ceremony.

Gareth Knott

Throughout Gareth Knott’s time at Warwick he has worked with dedication and passion to help the university, his fellow students and the local community. He has represented his year group in the Student-Staff Liaison Committee for all four years of study and chaired the committee for two years. He has been extremely approachable and made efforts with all students in order to engage them in decision making and finding out ways to improve their student experience.

Gareth also started the Anki flashcard sharing program, which made around 8,000 electronic flashcards and is widely used by medical students, proving an invaluable resource for learning and remembering medical knowledge. He was the British Medical Association representative for Warwick and started the BMA Warwick society and Facebook group. He was also elected to the BMA West Midlands Regional Council for two years running. He has supported medical students by giving several talks and met several MPs about the junior doctors’ contact.

Away from the Medical School, he was one of the founders of Rawkus, which collects food for those suffering from food poverty. He also founded Med Minds Warwick, which educates medical students about mental health and trains them to give classes in local schools.

Susan Rutherford

Susan Rutherford has displayed an outstanding and ongoing commitment to improving the lives of homeless people in both Warwickshire and nationwide. Susan helped to found a University homeless charity, as well as opening and running a weekend night shelter for the homeless people of Leamington Spa.

The work that Susan puts in at the shelter is immense and her commitment and dedication to her role is inspiring. As well as spending two nights a week at the shelter, Susan is also there most evenings behind the scenes. She single-handedly organises the washing of bedding, cleaning schedules and donations of food, clothing and furniture. She has also inspired many other Warwick students to support and volunteer at the shelter.

The shelter also takes volunteers from the wider community, which has allowed local residents of all ages and backgrounds to meet and has fostered a real sense of community spirit. Many of the users of the centre have commented on the huge impact that the Leamington Night Shelter has had, both in providing a roof over people's head and a warm dinner, as well as providing healthcare, encouraging housing and generally making positive improvements to people's lives.