DerbyStars
DerbyStars is a Students’ Union recognition initiative that celebrates both students and staff for their everyday acts of kindness and meaningful contributions - within and beyond the University community.
Every week, members of our university community can nominate someone who has gone above and beyond. This could be through academic dedication, leadership, community engagement, mentorship, or a simple act of kindness that made a difference.
DerbyStars exists to shine a light on the everyday excellence that strengthens our university culture.
Because a happy community makes a happy university, and no act of kindness is too small to be recognised.
Our Purpose
DerbyStars was created to:
- Build a culture of appreciation and gratitude
- Recognise positive contributions across campus
- Encourage peer-to-peer and student-to-staff recognition
- Celebrate those who quietly make a difference
- Strengthen the sense of belonging within our University
- Recognition inspires more positive action - and together, we shape the culture we want to see
Our Commitment
DerbyStars is committed to fairness, integrity, inclusivity, and respect.
We celebrate impact in all its forms - from large initiatives to small acts of kindness that make someone’s day better.
Because community is built in moments.
— Sam Oluwadare, Vice President (Education)
Internal Impact - Within the University
Celebrating students and staff who positively influence life inside the University.
This may include:
- Supporting classmates or colleagues
- Inspirational teaching or mentoring
- Outstanding course representation
- Leadership within societies or teams
- Creating inclusive and welcoming spaces
- Everyday kindness that uplifts others
- If someone makes university life better for others - they belong here
External Impact - Beyond the University
Celebrating members of our community who represent the University positively in the wider world.
This may include:
- Volunteering or charity work
- Community leadership
- Advocacy or social impact work
- Mentorship outside campus
- Service that reflects positively on our university
- If someone is making a difference beyond our walls - we want to celebrate that too
Know someone who deserves recognition?
Nominations are open to all current students and staff at the University of Derby.
You can nominate someone for:
- Showing kindness - big or small
- Making a positive difference
- Supporting others
- Demonstrating leadership
- Contributing to student or university life
- Representing the university positively beyond campus
- It only takes a few minutes to nominate someone
Meet Our DerbyStars
Each week, selected nominees will be featured here on our website and across Students’ Union platforms.
Each Featured DerbyStar Will Include:
- 📸 Photo (with consent)
- 👤 Full Name
- 🎓 Course / Department
- 🏛 Role (Student / Staff)
- 🌟 Category (Internal or External Impact)
- 💬 Personal Quote
- 🗣 Words from Nominators
- ✨ Why They Were Selected
DerbyStars Award Winners
Neve Redmond-Ellis
MRes Psychology
Nominated by
Josephine Langer
Reason given
Neve is one of the most incredible students I have had the opportunity to meet and work with. She is enthusiastic, proactive, and driven; she independently founded her own community group and over the past two years, has grown it into a thriving and sustainable community that continues to make a meaningful impact. She has served as President for two consecutive years, demonstrating strong leadership, commitment and the ability to build and support a dedicated committee team. Alongside this, she also works within the Union Blends commercial team, balancing her employment with her academic studies and leadership responsibilities.
Neve is a consistently dedicated student who volunteers her time to support Union events and actively engages in wider University initiatives whenever possible. She is passionate about representation and advocacy, and notably brought attention to the impact of the 2025 bus service changes on disabled students, ensuring their experiences and concerns were heard. Her ability to combine leadership, advocacy, and community-building makes her an outstanding role model within our student community.
Additional details/achievements
I have been at the university for over 5 years now and have been involved and active within the students union consistently the whole time, during my degree I was a student rep for 1 year and then joint honours student officer for 1 year (for which I won student officer of the year in 2023) since returning for my masters I have started up my craft community from scratch(we now have over 30 members), also one of the biggest things was being very active in campaigning against the universities cuts that have been affecting students, running 2 major petitions last year and organising a protest, all while maintaining a job at blends and continuing to run my community as well.
Solomon Towuru
Mental Health Nursing
Nominated by
Vivian Udokwu
Reason given
Guiding of new students with academic rigours
Advocating for student learning
Being a support system to students who are overwhelmed
Additional details/achievements
Alongside my teaching role, I previously served as Programme Leader for the MSc Adult and Mental Health Nursing programme and currently hold the role of Programme Leader for the MSc Mental Health Nursing programme. I am also a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian at the University of Derby, supporting students by providing a safe and independent route to raise concerns and ensuring they have an additional avenue for escalation alongside existing processes such as complaints and appeals. I am passionate about creating a supportive learning environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their academic journey.
Nominated by
Jonny Beasley
Reason given
I would like to applaud Abbie Smith for her excellent sporting achievements and valuable contribution to the student community.
Abbie recently secured a Silver medal in the Women’s Doubles at the BUCS Badminton Individual Championships in Sheffield, showcasing her strong teamwork, skill, and commitment to the sport. She has also gone on to achieve further success, earning a Bronze medal at the Senior English Nationals alongside her doubles partner. Beyond her sporting accomplishments, Abbie is an active PAL leader and student representative, consistently supporting and engaging with fellow students. Her ability to balance competitive sport with leadership and peer support makes her highly deserving of recognition.
Additional details/achievements
7x Badminton England Silver or Gold Tournament Winners (25-26 season so far), Bronze in Senior English National Championships.
Jessica Allen
MBA Global, Business
Nominated by
Jonny Beasley
Reason given
I would like to recognise Jessica Allen, our exceptional Sports Chair and scholar, in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements and continued excellence. Jessica recently secured a Bronze medal in the Women’s Singles at the BUCS Badminton Individual Championships in Sheffield, demonstrating her high level of skill, determination, and competitive spirit. In addition, she achieved a Silver medal in the Women’s Doubles event, further highlighting her versatility and consistency at an elite level. Her achievements build on an already impressive profile, including her recent success representing Great Britain in Flag Football at the European Championships. Jessica’s dedication, leadership, and ability to perform at the highest level make her a truly deserving candidate for recognition.
Additional details/achievements
7x Badminton England Silver or Gold Tournament Winners (25-26 season so far), Bronze in Senior English National Championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate?
Any current student or staff member at the University of Derby can nominate someone for a DerbyStars award.
Can students nominate staff?
Yes. Of course! We'd love our students to help recognise the efforts of staff at the University.
Can staff nominate students?
Absolutely. Staff work closely with students and see many of the great achievements that might otherwise go unacknowledged.
Can someone win more than once?
Yes. Continued positive impact deserves continued recognition. We encourage you to nominate as often as you see positive contributions.
Is there a prize?
Selected DerbyStars receive an official DerbyStars recognition badge from the Students’ Union and a feature on our celebration board, website, and social media platforms. Additional recognition opportunities may vary.
How often are winners announced?
Winners are announced weekly.
How many winners are selected each week?
Up to three students and three staff members can be selected each week.
What if I am nominated but not selected?
In some cases, nominations may be carried forward to the following week if the nominee is not selected in that round.