A University of Aberdeen student has been shortlisted for a top UK student award because of his voluntary work in the city and beyond, including Africa.
Ross Grant a 3rd year Politics and International Relations student, is one of the nominees for the NUS Student of the Year Award, which recognises students who have done outstanding work in the community and at their institution and who have gone out of their way to improve the lives of others.
Twenty-three year old Ross juggles his studies with his role as chairman of Tillydrone Community Council, chairman of Aberdeen Civic Forum and chairman of Tillydrone Development Steering Group.
Ross is also vice-chairman of Tillydrone Vision which is working with young people in Uganda.
Wearing this hat he helped to set up an organisation which works with Bezellel Primary School in Uganda which has 500 pupils – 40% of whom are orphans.
Ross was also involved in helping to buy and send a tractor to the school so that they can harvest crops to feed the children. It is also hoped the school can rent out the tractor to the local community.
Said Ross, who is from Aberdeen: “I was really surprised to have been nominated as it was done so quietly. I am honoured that the people I work with think so highly of me.
“I felt motivated to do something after seeing the conditions in Uganda when I was out there in 2008 as part of Tillydrone community. When I came back to Tillydrone I was determined to help make a difference.”
Professor Chris Gane, Vice-Principal for Culture and Communities at the University of Aberdeen, said he was delighted to see a student commiting so much time to helping his community.
“Ross is an outstanding student who has managed to balance the rigours of his degree course with his role as chairman of Tillydrone Community Council.
“The University works closely with Tillydrone and Ross has been influential in ensuring close working relationships between the University and the Community Council.”
Tessa Birley, who will take up the post as University of Aberdeen Student President on August 1, said “We are absolutely thrilled that Ross’ exceptional work in the community has been nationally recognised, all of which he does while balancing the pressures of being an active student.”
Ross will attend the ceremony in Leeds on July 20 July with his partner Melanie Dawson.
ENDS