The University of Nottingham is celebrating the centenary of its Students' Union by launching an exhibition to recognise 100 heroes.
The exhibition honours 100 groups and individuals, in four different categories, who have touched the lives of students, staff or the local community during their time at the university.
The four categories are: Leaders and Champions, Clubs and Societies, Tutors and Lecturers and Unsung Heroes.
Daphne Priestly OBE, was one of the heroes nominated in the Leaders and Champions category for her impact as the first female president of the University's Students' Union from 1954 to 1955.
Mrs Priestly, who was heavily involved in the campaign for the creation of the new Portland building, said: "It is marvellous to be able to come back and see the wonderful buildings and the outstanding campus. It was totally unexpected to be voted as a hero but it is amazing to be recognised."
More than 400 people, including students, staff, alumni and former presidents of the Students' Union, were invited to the launch of the exhibition today.
Guests were treated to a programme of entertainment for the evening and given tour of the Portland building, where a plaque and piece of artwork that reflects each hero have been installed.
Former Notts County player John Sheridan, was nominated as a hero in the Clubs and Societies category for his sporting contribution to the university.
Mr Sheridan, who is the coach of the University of Nottingham Men's Football Club, said: "It was a big surprise [to be chosen as a hero] but it is absolutely wonderful. I think to get recognised in any walk of life is nice."
Ellie McWilliam, who is the current Students' Union president said it is great that 100 heroes have been recognised for their contribution to student life.
Ms McWilliam, who is a Sociology BA (Hons) graduate, said: "It was phenomenal to meet Daphne. We have a lot of similarities and she was also a sociology student here.
"It is massively important to celebrate 100 years of the Students' Union. To see how far the Students' Union has come is a real privilege and I take my responsibility being at the front of that very seriously."
The exhibition was created by Crop-Up Gallery, an entirely student-run curatorial group made up of single and joint honours art history students.
Assistant curator of the project Cathy Conway, 20, said: "It has been really full on but I have enjoyed designing the concepts for each piece. One of my favourites has got to be the periodic tables on the windows, which represents about three different heroes."
Members of the public can view the exhibition at the Portland building every weekday until November.
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community? Tell us at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
