Transforming personal challenges into pioneering initiatives, a postgraduate student at St Catharine’s has been recognised as the sole winner in the Innovation category at the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Awards. Among 15 exceptional students from across the University of Cambridge honoured for their social impact, William Lan (a Medical Sciences MPhil student specialising in psychiatry) stood out for his significant contributions to mental health advocacy and community support through innovative approaches. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to spearheading impactful initiatives at Cambridge is a credit to his resilience and leadership skills.
William commented, “This recognition is not merely a reflection of my personal journey but a testament to the collective efforts and support of many incredible mentors, peers, leaders, teachers, close friends, colleagues, my research supervisor, and my family. Without their unwavering support and guidance, I would not have reached this point, and for that, I am forever grateful.
“As I accept this award, I am reminded of the responsibility it entails—to continue advocating, supporting, and leading with empathy. I am immensely thankful for this recognition and for the opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health, community support, and inclusivity in our global society.”
William Lan in Main Court
In a blog post published by Cambridge Hub, William describes how his journey in social impact started with a personal challenge – overcoming social anxiety while he was studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA):
“After joining a public speaking organisation as an undergraduate student at UCLA, I transformed my fear into a tool for empowerment, not just for myself but for others facing similar battles. This transformation fuelled my commitment to create a new mental health organisation at UCLA, where we significantly improved mental health awareness and support for over 300 university students and over 5,000 high school students.
“During my undergraduate studies, I also had the privilege of serving in several impactful roles. As a Certified Peer Coach and Mentor, I guided students through their personal and academic challenges, fostering an environment of growth and resilience. Additionally, I worked as a volunteer crisis counsellor for the Suicide Prevention Crisis Line, providing essential support to over 450 individuals across the US. I also took on the role of a Client Navigator, where I facilitated free health screenings for underserved and uninsured individuals in Los Angeles, helping to bridge significant gaps in healthcare access. Each of these roles reinforced my belief in the power of empathy and proactive support in building stronger communities.”
William Lan (second from left) at the Mental Health Foundation
Since joining St Catharine’s, William has served as the Welfare Officer on the MCR Committee, representing the College’s postgraduate students; Vice-Chair of the International Students’ Campaign; and a Mental Health Foundation Young Leader, launching crucial welfare programmes and peer-support systems. The judges said William's innovative methods and steadfast commitment to mental health advocacy have broadened his impact, establishing him as a force for positive change within and beyond the academic community.
He explains, “Here, I launched a new peer-support programme to support the well-being of students and advocated for policy improvements that have begun to shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students. Additionally, my role as a Mental Health Foundation Young Leader in the UK has enabled me to contribute to de-stigmatising youth mental health on a national scale through the co-development of new psychoeducational programmes.
“The cumulative impact of these initiatives is not just in the numbers, but in the stories of individuals who now feel a little less alone, a bit more empowered, and part of a community that cares not only about their own well-being and success but also about the well-being and success of others. Whether it was improving healthcare literacy and access for the underserved and uninsured community in Los Angeles, or expanding mental health education and access in the UK, each effort has been a step towards a more empathetic and inclusive society.”
Organised by Cambridge Hub and sponsored by the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Awards are in their sixth year of recognising and celebrating students’ exceptional achievements in social impact. Nominations are assessed by a panel of judges who are champions in the sector, including student leaders, academics and senior leaders at the University, and the CEO of Student Hubs.Recent winners of the Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Awards from St Catharine’s include Malik Al Nasir (a History PhD candidate, who received the 2023 Global Impact award) and alumna Tse Uweja (2018, Engineering, who received a Social Impact Award in 2021).
