Engineering student Caitlin was named the Allstate Queen’s Student of the Year 2024/2025 while a group of graduates was given the title of Allstate Queen’s Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award 2024/25. 

The awards were announced as part of a key event at Queen’s to honour the Women of Queen’s: Past, Present and Future to mark International Women’s Day 2025. 

Welcoming the announcement, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s Eddie Friel said:

“The Allstate Student of the Year and Alumni Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate those whose dedication and achievements embody the values of Queen’s. The awards recognise and celebrate the success of students and graduates across the Queen’s community and the impact that many of them have made on wider society. Congratulations to Caitlin and to the Queen’s Women Graduates Association, we are grateful for all they do for the Queen’s global community.” 

Delivering the awards, President of Queen’s Graduates’ Association Holly Poots said:

“The Student of the Year Award is given to someone who has made a significant impact in a range of ways across the University or the Queen’s community and we’re delighted that this has gone to a student who has achieved so much in her time at Queen’s. We are also pleased that the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award has been given to a really important alumni organisation - the Queen’s Women Graduates – that engages their time and skills to support and promote the women of Queen’s globally. Well done and congratulations to all our winners.”   

Student of the Year, Caitlin, who is currently undertaking a PhD with the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,  said:

“It was really important to me to get involved in the student life of Queens because I really wanted to build a community and a network - Queens really helped make that happen through putting on different events and programmes for me to get involved with. 

I'm really honoured to be named Student of the Year for 2024, very thankful for it, and I hope that my story and experiences can inspire other people to really take on opportunities that Queens have. I would not be where I am without the support of those around me, from family and friends to the vast opportunities Queen’s has offered me throughout my undergraduate life.” 

Queen’s Women Graduates Association (QWG) marks its 100-year anniversary of supporting women’s education through mentoring, support and scholarships. Speaking about the award, QWG President Louise McMahon said:

“A small group of pioneering women established the association primarily to network, not only locally but also internationally. I think the Queen's Women Graduate members feel strongly that it's an opportunity, almost an obligation, to give back. 

I am absolutely delighted that Queen's Women Graduates is being awarded Alumni of the Year. It's great recognition for all of those women who've contributed and pioneered and broken through barriers over 100 years and we're very, very grateful for this recognition and award.” 

(L-R) Queen’s Graduates Association President Holly Poots, Dr Sarah Lawrence of Allstate, Louise McMahon, President of the Queen’s Women Graduates Association which won Allstate Alumni of the Year award and host Rebecca McKinney

Digital Product Manager Dr Sarah Lawrence of Awards sponsor Allstate, said:

“At Allstate, we are incredibly proud to sponsor the Student and Alumni Volunteer of the Year awards at Queen’s. Caitlin Chee and the Queen’s Women Graduates Association embody the very spirit of giving back, inspiring others, and fostering a sense of belonging. Their achievements not only reflect the values of Queen's but also resonate deeply with our own commitment to empowering individuals and creating lasting positive change."  

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For further information contact ciara.oneill@qub.ac.uk