The third annual Winton Society Awards celebrated the achievements of the University of Winchester’s students and staff, past and present. 

The Winton Society is the university’s alumni community, comprising more than 35,000 people who have studied or worked at the University of Winchester, or previously, King Alfred’s College. 

The awards mark their achievements and contributions within the University and the wider world. 

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The 2024 ceremony was held at the King Alfred Quarter and was compered by Angus Scott, well-known sports broadcaster and journalism lecturer at the university who is also an alumnus.  

Guests were welcomed by the vice-chancellor and president of the Winton Society, Professor Sarah Greer.

Hampshire Chronicle: Lorette Keys' daughter daughter, Tiereny McGuire accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late mother daughter, Tiereny McGuire . She is pictured with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and the Pro Vice-Chancellor Sam JonesLorette Keys' daughter daughter, Tiereny McGuire accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late mother daughter, Tiereny McGuire . She is pictured with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and the Pro Vice-Chancellor Sam Jones (Image: Dominic Parkes Photography)

Prof Greer said: “These awards demonstrate that our values - the love of learning, individual and shared endeavour and making a difference – are at the heart of the University of Winchester, past and present.

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“The awards celebrate some remarkable individual achievements, but also recognise those who have worked quietly and conscientiously over many years to support students and other communities, changing the lives of others for the better.

"They embody Winchester’s aspiration to ‘make a difference’ and we are both very proud of them and grateful to them.”  

Head of external engagement and partnerships, Natasha Montagu, said: “These awards are presented to individuals who have empowered growth in themselves and others, engendering change to make the world a better place, and enriching the lives of others through their relationships and work within their local communities.” 

The Lifetime Achievement Award went posthumously to Lorette Keys, who worked at the student union and the university for more than 18 years before her sudden death in September 2023. Most recently, she was the finance and commercial services manager at the Student Union.  

Lorette was described as a beacon of support to all, who could always be relied upon for advice and guidance, professional or personal. Her support for the Student Union through difficult times, particularly the Covid pandemic, was recognised. Former colleagues said: “Lorette was a true friend to those that she worked with and created a warm and welcoming environment for staff and students.” 

Lorette’s family attended the ceremony and her daughter, Tiereny McGuire accepted the award. 

The Force for Good Award went to Mohamad Bashar Mahrousa for his outstanding contribution to the Bahar Organization, which provides humanitarian aid to displaced people in Syria, Northern Iraq and Turkey.

Other winners include: 

Outstanding Contribution Award - Caroline Johnson 

Services to the University - Antosh Wojcik  

Emerging Talent Award - Henry Marks 

Community Partner Award - Clive Cook 

Winton Values Award - Jane Peacock 

Academic Excellence Awards: 

Business & Digital Technologies - Duncan Guthrie (Marketing)

Humanities & Social Sciences - Alastair Eager (Archaeology)

Law Crime and Justice - Jordan Bushnell (Forensics)

Education and the Arts - Emma Antrobus (Education Studies)

Health & Wellbeing - Natasha Evans (Nursing)

Dee Sayers and Stephen Baldwin were recognised for their tremendous contributions to alumni and the Winton Society, as they were awarded Winton Society Fellowships.

More information about the winners and the award ceremony can be found at winchester.ac.uk.