After almost 200 nominations across 12 categories, the finalists have now been announced for the 2009 NUS Awards. Anglia Ruskin Students' Union has been shortlisted for three awards including 'Higher Education Students' Union of the Year' where they are fighting for the title against Leeds University Union and University of Bath Students' Union.

The award for 'Higher Education Students' Union of the Year' recognises outstanding achievement and demonstration of best practice in areas such as student representation, student participation and planning. Judges also look at what impact the Students' Union has on its members, how student feedback is gathered and acted upon.

Anglia Ruskin Students' Union are also shortlisted for the 'Campaign of the Year' award for their Higher Education Funding campaign. The Higher Education Funding Campaign was launched in September when Anglia Ruskin students voted it top in a Freshers' Opinion Poll. Anglia Ruskin Students' Union hosted a 'Day of Action' on the 5th November which bought together students from the University of East Anglia, Cambridge University, University Campus Suffolk as well as several guest speakers to condemn the current Higher Education funding system. The day received a great deal of press coverage and was followed up with a letter writing campaign, a wall of debt and a Lobby of Parliament.

Finally, Lucy Davison, a student at Anglia Ruskin University, has been shortlisted for the 'Endsleigh Student of the Year' award which recognises a student who has overcome personal challenges and who, in the face of adversity, has made a significant contribution to fellow students, their Students' Union, the Community and student life.

Finalists are invited to attend the awards ceremony in London on June 12th 2009 where winners of all categories will be announced.

For further information contact: Nick Evangelista, Anglia Ruskin Students' Union President by email or call 01223 460008.