The RCVS Student Community Award recognises exceptional veterinary and veterinary nursing students who demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting their peers and wider communities. Established in 2021, this prestigious award celebrates students who go beyond their studies to make meaningful contributions through leadership, outreach, or innovative initiatives that benefit others.
We give this award to people who have shown exceptional commitment to supporting their fellow students or the broader community beyond their academic environment.
This award is open to any student currently enrolled on an RCVS-approved course leading to:
Anyone can nominate a student for this award – fellow students, academic staff, or community members who have witnessed their contributions. However, current members of RCVS Council and VN Council cannot submit nominations.
To nominate someone, you’ll need to download and complete the PDF nomination form. Do provide as much detail as possible about why the nominee deserves the award.
Completed forms should be submitted via our Honours and Awards web form.
Sophie Oliver
A final-year student at the University of Nottingham vet school, Sophie was nominated for her part in organising the inaugural British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Student Congress in 2022. It was the first that covered students at all UK vet schools rather than being localised to a particular school.
Legend Thurman
A student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, Legend was nominated for her work in representing fellow American students studying veterinary medicine in the UK.
Paul Gogerty MRCVS
Paul was nominated for his role in developing a bespoke set of courses teaching nature connection and field skills for fellow veterinary students at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. The courses encouraged nature connection, making the link between time spent in the natural world and improved mental and physical wellbeing.
Fergus Mitchell
Fergus was honoured for being a passionate advocate for supporting mental health and wellbeing among fellow veterinary students at the University of Nottingham. He also founded the National Vet Student Wellbeing Week in 2021, joining forces with fellow student welfare officers at other UK vet schools.
Jack Church
As a fourth-year veterinary student at Surrey Vet School, Jack spent much of 2020 volunteering at an adult ICU Covid-19 award in addition to his studies. Doing this, Jack demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service.
Lavinia Economu
Lavinia was recognised for her early work in establishing diversity and inclusion initiatives that would later develop into the successful Animal Aspirations programme. Animal Aspirations seeks to inspire young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and different socio-economic backgrounds into the veterinary professions.
