More than 60 students were nominated for awards recognising their contributions to the University.
UNSW’s first Hearts & Hands event on Monday, 15 September celebrated the spirit of student volunteerism at the heart of the University community.
The evening brought together more than 120 staff and students to honour the rich history of volunteer engagement across UNSW and to recognise the contribution of our current group of student volunteers.
The event was officially opened by Leah Hill, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success, who reflected on the significance of the event’s name. Hearts & Hands draws inspiration from the UNSW motto, Scientia Corde Manu et Mente (Knowledge by Heart, Hands and Mind), capturing the values of compassion, action and intellect that underpin our student volunteer community.
An inspiring Acknowledgement of Country was delivered by Josh Sly, a proud Biripi Worimi and Wiradjuri man, who reminded attendees that belonging begins with connection to Country.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs expressed deep gratitude to students for their remarkable contributions, acknowledging the time, energy and commitment they dedicate to enriching the UNSW experience.
Guest speaker Dr Joshua Karras, UNSW alumnus and Council Member, shared reflections from nearly a decade of volunteering across UNSW programs.
Awards recognise outstanding student volunteers
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first-ever Hearts & Hands Awards by Professor Sarah Maddison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience.
With more than 60 student nominations received from diverse volunteer programs, including Peer Mentoring programs, faculty ClubSocs, International Student Mentors and Wellbeing Ambassadors, the awards recognised three outstanding students whose contributions exemplify the spirit of service and leadership.
The recipients were:
- Generosity in Action – Mengying Zhang
Awarded for demonstrating empathy, compassion and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering student community.
Mengying’s nomination described her as the embodiment of kindness through empathy, warmth and lived experience. She has worked incredibly hard to find her own confidence and voice and has returned many times as a peer mentor to support others. Over two terms she mentored 25 international students, helping them build their confidence in English and form lasting friendships.
The nomination noted, “She cares, not just for mentees, for anyone in need and many of her mentees have since become mentors themselves.”
- Impact Through Innovation – William Nguyen
Recognised for pioneering creative initiatives that strengthen student connections and enhance volunteer and mentoring programs.
William received two nominations in this category for demonstrating outstanding innovation, collaboration and leadership. He led the founding of the UNSW International Students Association (ISA), growing it to more than 500 members in just six months, coordinated a team of 10 volunteers to deliver the Friend-Making Picnic, creating connections for more than 1000 students, and is credited with increasing student belonging by creating low-pressure, inclusive spaces that helped thousands of students build friendships and confidence.
- Community Champion Award – Zili Chen
Honoured for consistent, hands-on contributions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Zili received an outstanding 10 nominations for this award and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in his time as a cultural mentor, guiding international students through the academic and social transition to uni. He is the founding member of the Students with Disability Leadership Collective, the co-organiser of the Diversity Festival booth on neurodiversity awareness, a student representative with UNSW EDI and is recognised for his dedication as a volunteer and advocate for the UNSW student community.
Each awardee received a UNSW Employability Professional Development Package valued at more than $2000, including personalised career coaching, access to leadership training, participation in the Career Discovery Mentoring Program and exclusive employability opportunities.
William said that winning the Impact through Innovation category meant a great deal.
“When I first started at UNSW, I often felt lost and unsure of where I fit in. Being recognised at the inaugural Hearts & Hands Awards reminded me how far I’ve come and how much this community has given me a true sense of belonging.”
Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients for their exceptional dedication to peer support and community building. The Hearts & Hands event was a powerful reminder of the vibrant, inclusive spirit that defines UNSW, brought to life by our student volunteers who embody our commitment to community wellbeing and meaningful societal impact.
Main image: Two of the award winners, William Nguyen (left) and Zili Chen (centre), celebrating with Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs.
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