Liberal Arts student wins outstanding contribution award
Congratulations to Liberal Arts student Ceara Webster, one of this year’s winners of Warwick’s Outstanding Student Contribution Awards (OSCAs).
What are the OSCAs?
The OSCAs recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Warwick's students. These students not only excel academically, but also find the time to campaign for good causes, fundraise, start small businesses, and work with local charities.
Making a difference: Ceara Webster
Ceara has been awarded for activity over her entire time at Warwick. In particular, Ceara’s work during the final year of her degree highlights the difference she has made in the community:
In the wider community, Ceara worked for a company that provides nature-based programmes to bring together individuals who are isolated, suffering from mental health problems, addictions and/or are veterans. She also spent time volunteering for a local food bank and clearing pathways in local woodlands.
On campus, Ceara took on the role of Equal Opportunities Officer for the Yoga Society, joined the executive committee of Warwick Sustainable Development Society, and was elected secretary of the Warwick Liberal Arts Society.
In addition to all of this, she worked in three different job roles which contributed to the environment, the University, and to other students:
- Helping to reduce excess waste, electricity, and water usage by promoting sustainability initiatives as a Cut the Flow Ambassador;
- Coordinating and mentoring a group of undergraduate researchers as a Compass Undergraduate Research Mentor with the Institute of Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL); and
- Organising and facilitating a range of events for Warwick Enterprise as an Innovation Fellow. In particular, Ceara helped assist with Her Innovation Collective. You can find out more about Ceara's experience as an Innovation Fellow in her article: 'Reflecting on my time as an Innovation Fellow.'
Ceara’s final year culminated not only in achieving a first-class degree but also in setting up her own Digital Environmental Art Project. You can read about this project in our recent news item.
"It is an honour to be recognised by my nominee and the wider university by being awarded an OSCA. However, this achievement would not have been possible without the most supportive department or peers, or without the broader Coventry and Warwickshire community who accepted me into their workforces and allowed me to be a part of their community. I am indebted to those who helped my journey and grateful for all of my experiences at Warwick. I will cherish them forever."
Ceara Webster
"Ceara has been a powerful force right from her first year as part of our first cohort. As the 2020 recipient of the Liberal Arts Cathia Jenainati Prize, we recognized her leadership, creativity, and commitment to transdisciplinary teaching and learning. We’re so pleased that Ceara’s work has been recognized by the wider University with this OSCA: Ceara’s contributions to the Liberal Arts community and the wider University have made such a difference. Congratulations Ceara!"
Dr Gavin Schwartz-Leeper, Director of Student Experience and Undergraduate Studies
Ceara will be formally awarded for this achievement at the rearranged degree ceremony.