The Cecil Angel Cup, won two years in a row by Coventry Conversations inventor and producer John Mair, has gone to a student society this year. The East Asian Film Society (CUEAFS) with founder Spencer Murphy received the award at the official graduation ceremony on 21 November 2011.
The Cecil Angel Cup, which is the most prestigious prize for recognition in the University, is given every year to staff and students for ‘significant contribution to the development and well-being of the institution and significant enhancement of its reputation’.
CUEAFS members proudly displaying the Cecil Angel Cup at Coventry University’s graduation ceremony.
Diana Stefanescu, first president of the society and one of the two students behind the nomination, first set her eyes on the award at last year’s graduation ceremony.
“When I saw it [the award] advertised on CU Online I had a look at all the awards and thought this one really suited the society’, she said. ‘A boost in our confidence always helps”.
“In the end it is a privilege to not only graduate, but be awarded with the prize as well”.
Since its foundation in 2009, the society has had amazing achievements, such as distributor sponsorships and donations, visits from directors, sponsored international trips for staff and students, published reviews on professional platforms and the first East Asian film festival and symposium in the Midlands.
The commitment and passion by both members and founder Spencer Murphy was recognised at the Students’ Union award ceremony of 2011, when they received the award for ‘Best Society’.
Dr Shaun Hides, Head of the Media and Communications Department in the University, has always been very supportive of the society’s activities and was pleased to be able to support its nomination for the Cecil Angel Cup.
“It’s brilliant that they have won”, he commented, – “CUEAFS is an expression of how great it can be to be part of something imaginative and innovative as a student here”.
“I have two hopes for the future”, Shaun added. “One, that everyone in CUEAFS keeps their passion for East Asian film and that they go from strength to strength, which I’m sure they will. Two, that more students find their own passion for something media focused, follow the lead CUEAFS have given and establish their own societies – I and other staff would be so pleased to support them”.
