Inaugural Denis Law RGUplus Awards Presented at RGU Graduation

The first-ever Denis Law RGUplus awards were presented at Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) July summer graduation ceremony at P&J Live.

Among the recipients was Mike Melvin, who received the first-ever Denis Law RGUplus honorary award for his services to the cause of volunteering in Aberdeen city.

Mike has over 38 years of experience in supporting volunteering, working with ACVO as their Volunteering Services Manager and volunteering with a range of organisations across Aberdeen’s third sector, such as Cornerhouse, Station House Media Unit, Health Services Research Unite and local community groups.

The award, which launched in February 2024, aims to recognise the enormous value of individuals who support their community through various means of volunteering.

In addition to the honorary award, the Denis Law RGUplus award’s first-ever bronze award recipients were recognised in the RGU Graduation programme alongside graduates from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic practice and the Gray’s School of Art.

On his award, Mike Melvin, Volunteering Service Manager, ACVO said, “Volunteering isn’t just about giving up your time. It gives you a chance to meet others, develop a range of skills and make a positive contribution to the community around you. I have been lucky to make this my career for the past 30 plus years and have seen first-hand the difference that volunteering can make to everyone.”

Laura Chalmers, Head of Employability and Community Engagement, RGU said, “The Denis Law RGUplus award recognises the commitment and social responsibility of people making a positive impact on both themselves and others through volunteering. On behalf of RGU, I would like to thank Mike for embodying these values and for always going above and beyond in championing Aberdeen’s third sector and the cause of volunteering.”

Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust said, “Working in partnership with RGU, we are delighted to recognise the first-ever Denis Law RGUplus award recipients. It was only too fitting to have Mike Melvin as our inaugural honorary Denis Law RGUplus awardee joining the other recipients. A true unsung hero, Mike has worked tirelessly to promote and support so many volunteer organisations across Aberdeen city and we are delighted to recognise his incredible contributions and achievements through this award.”

The Denis Law RGUplus award forms part of wider RGUplus programme, which aims to ensure that community engagement and learning beyond the classroom at RGU is taken to new heights and recognised in a way that will enhance skills, develop unique employability and global citizenship skills.

Full list of Denis Law RGUplus bronze award recipients: