Last night, University Hall was transformed into a tropical paradise for the much-anticipated End of Year Awards and Celebration. Set in the lower quad, the venue was decorated to evoke the vibrant atmosphere of a Bali beach club, inviting guests to indulge in an unforgettable evening.
The celebration featured a delicious Indonesian-themed menu that delighted the senses, while the upbeat vibes created by the DJs got everyone on their feet and dancing. The dynamic duo of Res Club Secretary Hayden Worth and RA Naha Menon took charge as the evening’s MCs, guiding guests through the festivities with enthusiasm and charm.
A highlight of the night was a powerful address by Principal Mark Sampson, who reflected on the year’s stellar academic achievements. He praised the active participation of residents in various programs, clubs, and committees at both University Hall and the University of Western Australia (UWA). Mark also emphasised the positive partnerships that have emerged this year, notably the collaboration with Optus Stadium, which has provided 180 residents with valuable casual employment opportunities.
Following Mark, Res Club President Olivia Krebbs took the stage to celebrate the remarkable achievements of her committee. She highlighted the halls' participation in Inter-College sports, the wins in volleyball, badminton, and synchronised swimming to mention a few and the wonderful spirit of camaraderie and competition. Olivia also reminisced about standout events, including the highly successful River Cruise and Ball, which brought the community together in memorable ways.
Life Membership to the ResClub was then presented to:
A particularly moving moment of the evening came from Shondell Hayden, a proud Indigenous woman on the cusp of graduating as a doctor. In her heartfelt farewell speech, Shondell shared her personal journey, including her own medical battle that nearly derailed her education. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from her friends and the UniHall community, acknowledging how the connections and memories made during her time here have been invaluable to her resilience and success.
The award winners from the evening were:
Citizenship Awards were presented to:
The final two awards were the University Hall Association Award presented to Paolo Sulit who many know for his work on our winning Lip Dub presentation and the Principal’s Award which went to Olivia Krebs for her outstanding contribution as President of the ResClub.
As the night progressed, the good vibes continued to flow, with laughter and cheers filling the air. The End of Year Awards and Celebration not only honoured the hard work and dedication of students but also fostered a sense of unity and pride within the University Hall community. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead!