What is an Honorary Life Membership?
Honorary Life Membership (HLM) is the highest honour Students' Union can bestow on a member. It entitles the holder to free Visiting/Associate membership to the Union for life. The awarding of a HLM symbolises the outstanding achievements of our students, who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to improving the lives of UCL students.
In this article, we will highlight the ten shortlisted nominees for Honorary Life Membership. Don't forget to your tickets to the Awards!
🎫Thursday 29th May:
Community Awards
Sports Awards
🎫Friday 30th May
Societies Awards
Arts Awards
Christopher Lee (Arts Awards)
Christopher Lee received 13 nominations from their peers detailing their work with ArtsUCL. Christopher has spent six years at UCL and has played an active role in Live Music,, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Drama Societies.
In my seven years as a member of the UCL Live Music and Jazz Societies, I can scarcely think of anyone else who has made a greater individual contribution to the performing arts at UCL.
Lewis Murphy (Arts Awards)
Lewis is a familiar face to lots of our students, having worked as a member of student-staff in the Activities Team since July 2022. Lewis has also previously held the position of Arts Officer and has been an active member of Stage Crew Society for four years, contributing significantly to the growth of ArtsUCL.
Nick Miao (Arts Awards)
Nick's involvement with the Union encompasses representation, clubs, societies and student media. From being a Halls Rep, Accommodation & Housing Officer, journalist and editor as well as a Society President; he has made significant contributions to the UCL community.
Elisa de Aragao Bibay (Community Awards)
Elisa has been Women's Officer for two years. She has led the Women's Network with passion and care, creating an inclusive community of over 500 members and consistently advocated for women's safety on campus, improved gender equity within the curriculum as well as leading campaigns on period poverty.
Rachel Lim (Community Awards)
During her time at UCL, Rachel has held the position of Student Trustee, People of Colour (POC) Officer and most recently, Welfare & Community Officer. Rachel's work has covered all aspects of the UCL community ranging from improved accommodation conditions, better transport links to UCL East to increased student-staff pay within the Union.
She is, without a doubt, one of the most dedicated and productive sabbatical officers I’ve had the privilege of working with.
Christopher Behnert-Smirnov (Societies Awards)
Christopher was an effective academic representative and now leads the Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (MBPE) Society. Under Christopher's leadership, the Departmental Society has grown to the 14th largest student group thus creating a thriving, social and professional community.
George Shery Ponodath (Societies Awards)
Through his roles as a Faculty Rep, Course Rep, society member and club founder, George exemplifies a deep commitment to student life at UCL. George's involvement has been so vast and varied, he could have been considered at multiple other awards ceremonies as well.
George has been a dedicated member of the Parkour Society, Juggling and Circus Society, and the Baking Society, where he has contributed to fostering connection and creativity among peers.
Botai Wu (Sports Awards)
Botai has been a transformational influence within the Guiding Club. Botai assumed the Presidency under challenging circumstances and has helped to build the Club from the ground up.
Elisia Swaby (Sports Awards)
Elisia embodies the Union values and has given so much to those around her, particularly those involved in Dodgeball. Through coaching, leading campaigns, writing articles and holding numerous leadership positions, Elisia has been an integral part of the UCL community.
I have great appreciation for Elisia's integrity, knowledge and friendliness as one of the faces of the SU.
Jack Sibeon (Sports Awards)
As Sports Officer, Jack’s commitment to the Students’ Union and improving the student experience across our sports community has been exceptional. He has been both a prominent member and engaged committee member of the Boat Club for the last 3 years, on top of his work at the SU, first as Sports Rep and Course Rep, then as Sports Officer.