DSU’s Games Development Society has been shortlisted for not just one but two national awards.
De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU)’s Games Development Society has been shortlisted for not just one but two national awards.
The society has been named on the shortlist for both Academic Society of the Year and Best New Society at the National Union of Students (NUS)’ National Societies Awards (NSA).
Sean Gorman, chair of the De Montfort University (DMU) Games Development Society, said he was surprised by the news. He said: “I never knew about the National Society Awards, and when the SU contacted me on Twitter to congratulate our team for the nomination, it was a good feeling to hear that our hard work had been recognised outside DMU.
“To be recognised by the NUS, to me, means we must have made quite a reputation for ourselves. I hope this attention will allow the society to further build on what we've accomplished this year.
“We've run [some] incredible events; guest lectures from industry professionals, such as Alex Brady and Sam Hughes; Game Jams; and more. Our nomination only clarifies we're doing the right thing.”
Sean continued: “I'd like to thank those staff who have supported the students seeking to take part, the staff who see the worth in such a society and have aided our efforts to continue. Craig Barton, the pleasant ITMS technician for Bede Island is the best example of such an individual, so a big shoutout to Craig. There are many more staff just like him, Stasz, Chris, Simon and all of DSU.
“I'd also [like to] thank the committee members old and new who all share in the ideals the founders set when we started the society, so a thank you to those who held onto those standards.”
The NSA is the first national event to credit societies for their contribution to students’ career prospects and experience during their time at university and this year are being hosted by the University of West England Students’ Union on Saturday 4 June.
Richard Brooks, NUS Vice President (Union Development), judged the entries for shortlisting and said: “I’m proud of the activities taking place in societies within students’ unions, and so impressed with the dedication of the volunteers who put so much energy and enthusiasm into their societies.
“Judging the first National Societies Awards has been a pleasure, and I’m looking forward to the awards ceremony! We know societies change lives, keep students in education and make society a better place and I’m so proud to be celebrating that.”
The shortlisting comes just two weeks after Premier League champions Leicester City played host to the biggest night of DSU’s awards season so far with The SULETS DSU Societies Awards 2016. Read the full story here.