On Wednesday 3 June, students, Fellows, staff, and friends of Clare Hall gathered in the Richard Eden Suite to celebrate some of the people who help make the College such a vibrant and welcoming community.

The annual Student Awards Ceremony brought together award recipients, nominees, and supporters, including Professor Andrew and Dr Fiona Blake, Margaret Thouless, and Elizabeth and Roger Barrow, whose generosity continues to create opportunities for Clare Hall students.

The ceremony was opened by Helen Pennant, Official Fellow and CEO of the Cambridge Trust, who welcomed guests and thanked the College’s supporters for their commitment to Clare Hall and its students. She then announced the recipients of a number of academic and travel awards, including the Doctoral Prize Studentship, the John Barrow Fund Travel Award, and the Boak Travel Award.

The evening also celebrated a different, but equally important, aspect of College life: the contributions made by students who go above and beyond for others.

Introduced by Graduate Student Body (GSB) President Rishul Karia and Senior Tutor Dr Holly Hedgeland, the Clare Hall Academic Life and Community Spirit Awards 2026 recognise those whose initiative and hard work have enriched the experience of College members across the community.

It was a pleasure to celebrate students’ outstanding contributions to making our wonderful college tick through these awards. Congratulations to all!

Rishul Karia

In the GSB Committee Category, Vice-President Robyn Schnell and Secretary Aisling Dynes were recognised for their dedication and service to the GSB. Fellow nominees Green Officers Lisa Valentini and María Mathías Constantino, Social Officer Betsy Zaubler, and Welfare Officer Emmanuella Bentil were also thanked and applauded for the energy and care they have brought to their roles throughout the year.

In the All Student Category, awards were given to Latina Li, co-founder of the new Film & Moving Image SIG, and Thomas Eve, who initiated and coordinated the new sustainable watering system project for the College allotment. Through very different projects, both have helped strengthen connections across the Clare Hall community and create opportunities for others to come together. Efthymia Kostaki, Deniz Alkan, Raghav Sarangi, and Leo Shanahan were also thanked for their valuable contributions to College life.

A particularly heartfelt moment came at the end of the ceremony, when the tables were turned on Rishul Karia. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the year, our GSB President was presented with a special award of his own. As an advocate for sustainability, diversity, student engagement, and community-building, Rishul has helped bring numerous initiatives to life while serving as a welcoming and familiar presence for College members across Clare Hall.

The ceremony was a reminder that academic achievement is only one part of what makes the Clare Hall experience so distinctive. Equally important are the people who contribute their time, creativity, and care to building a supportive and inclusive community.

Clare Hall warmly congratulates all award recipients and nominees, and extends its sincere thanks to all those whose generosity and dedication continue to support and enrich College life.