BBA Founder Dr Deborah Gabriel collected the Staff Member of the Year Award at the SUBU 2018 BME Awards.
Developed by the Student Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU), the BME Awards were the brainchild of former SUBU President Daniel Asaya to celebrate and reward the achievements of students of colour.
BBA Founder Dr Gabriel was invited to the event as a guest of honour, alongside former SUBU President Daniel Asaya, Equality & Diversity Adviser Dr James Palfreman-Kay, SUBU VP Welfare Brad Powell, BU Head of Regional Community Partnerships Ian Jones, SUBU General Manager Alan James, and local businesswoman and Indian caterer Sarah Ali Choudhury.
As with previous years, the awards were well attended by students of colour at the Citygate Centre in Bournemouth. This year’s hosts SUVP Education Lenrick Greaves and SUVP Activities Lea Abidemi, made a great double act, engaging the audience with humour, dance moves and a competition.
The excellent entertainment was provided by performing arts group PARTS, dance group KPop, a solo performance by Lily Amaning and a fabulous gospel choir, all of whom drew rapturous applause from the audience.
Dr Gabriel, who presented the Student of the Year Award to final year undergraduate Payal Nayee; was moved when she presented with the Staff Member of the Year Award, by Dr James Palfreman-Kay.
Other awards winners included Esther Adeusi, who collected two awards: Black Student of the Year and the award in Creative Excellence.
Commenting on the event and her award, Dr Gabriel said:
“It’s always an honour to be invited to attend the SUBU BME Awards – a fantastic initiative and example of how students of colour enrich the cultural landscape in higher education. This year was extra special because it means so much to be valued by the very constituents that you strive so hard for to achieve equality and justice. It was a wonderful evening and everyone who supported it should be congratulated for their contribution to an important event.”
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