Celebrating student success at the 2025 Student Employee of the Year Awards

Organised by the Employer Services Team within the Careers & Enterprise Department, the event recognised the outstanding contributions of students who successfully balance work, study, and personal commitments with skill, passion, and professionalism. 

This year’s keynote speaker, Matt Jaworski from Adopter Ltd, delivered an inspiring address on the value of student employment and the role it plays in professional growth and development. 

Seven students received top awards across five categories, with Helena Tagg taking home the overall Student Employee of the Year title.

Award Winners:

Above & Beyond Award 

• Charlotte Hunter (On Campus) 

• Olivia Zheng (Off Campus) 

Internship & Vacation Work Award 

•  James Douglas (On Campus) 

• Helena Tagg (Off Campus) 

Employer of the Year Award 

• Nicola Gittins (College Catering – On Campus) 

• Adopter Ltd (Off Campus) 

Personal Development Champion Award 

• Emmanuel Togoh 

Step Up to Leadership Award 

• Yuetong Zhao (On Campus) 

• Oliver Daisey (Off Campus) 

In addition to our winners, Highly Commended certificates were awarded to a number of exceptional students and one outstanding employer, recognising their dedication and impact: 

Alfred Willcocks, Jocelyn Greenfield, Thomas Trace, Holly Fairclough, Daniel Adamson, Ayasha Nordiawan, Savannah Jordan, Rececca Auglier, Ferdinand Ameyaw, Isobel Jones, and Voicentric (Highly Commended Employer). 

Congratulations to all of our nominees, finalists and winners. We look forward to celebrating student excellence once again at the 2026 awards! 

Find out more:

• Discover more about Careers and Enterprise at Durham