The newly-launched Sussex Awards are open for nominations until Sunday 16 March. With this in mind we talked to a winner from the one of award’s predecessor schemes. Janine Thorogood won the Better World Award in the 2024 Education Awards. The award recognised staff who are actively engaged in efforts to make a positive impact in the local community – and wider world – in creative and entrepreneurial ways. In the Sussex Awards she could have been nominated for the Civic Engagement or Contribution to Campus Life category.
Tell us about your role. What’s your favourite aspect of your job?
As Administrative Officer in the Meeting House, I see students who are suffering from hardship and have been referred to us. I chat with them and offer help with different food recipes. The Meeting House Pantry issues students suffering hardship enough food to keep them going, and I am the main administrator of this at the Chaplaincy. One student's two little boys call me 'Nanny Sussex'.
I also help arrange internal and external events. The Meeting House is often in demand for bookings, and I make sure this all runs smoothly. We encourage students to play the piano in the chapel and I always enjoy listening to them play. Some also go for the John Birch Music Scholarship and we support them with this.
How did it feel to be nominated and win an award last year?
It was great to be nominated by loads of people for what I do and to be appreciated. Reading what staff and students wrote and for a wide variety of things makes you feel you are doing something worthwhile. What I do is very varied and it's nice to be reminded of the things that people have appreciated.
What is your favourite memory at the University?
A recent favourite memory was being invited to attend Graduation for the first time in January and take part in the Chancellor’s Procession. I enjoyed seeing a student get his Master's and receive a music scholarship. Being in the front row on the stage and having Sanjeev doing press ups in front of me was great fun!
Another fond memory is the wedding of former student and locally-based comedian, Angela Barnes - helping arrange her wedding and being there for her on the day. Having a wedding on the day of Freshers Fair was challenging! The fair was meant to be at the Amex and changed to campus at the last minute.
What is your favourite thing about being at Sussex, or your favourite place on campus?
It is great having Falmer Pond and Stanmer Park nearby so I can go for a walk before work or on my lunch break. This really helps me connect with nature and clear my head.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s given you?
The best advice I could offer anyone is to be yourself and unique. Be helpful to other people, and enjoy what you do.