Global leader in student recruitment, Keystone Education Group, celebrated changemakers from across the world at their inaugural Keystone Awards - honouring individuals and institutions transforming the landscape of higher education. 

Held virtually and hosted by Keystone CEO Fredrik Högemark and Chief Marketing Officer Saba Davenport, the awards recognized outstanding students and institutions for their leadership, resilience, and innovation — from promoting sustainability to expanding access to education and excellence in sport. 

Among this year’s student winners was Sijin Wal Tuony Jany (below left), a Global Peace Ambassador from South Sudan and winner of International Student of the Year. Born during civil conflict, Sijin founded a social venture addressing food insecurity at Jimma University in Ethiopia, while advancing climate resilience.

Also celebrated was Ries Anderson of Thomas More UAS, Belgium (below right), who was named Student Ambassador of the Year.

A global changemaker and chocolatier, Ries represented his university at international forums including the Change the World Model United Nations in Dubai — all while founding Flanderin Chocolate, which earned him Belgium’s Student Entrepreneur Award. 

"At Keystone, we believe in celebrating the changemakers—students and institutions —who are making a tangible impact," said Fredrik Högemark. “These winners are shaping the future of education and society. From peacebuilding to entrepreneurship, they’re driving meaningful change across borders.” 

Institutions were equally recognized for initiatives, including breaking down educational barriers. Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon won Best Student Support Service or Initiative for its Learning Gates program, bringing higher education to rural communities and non-traditional learners. 

The Higher Ed Institution of the Year title went to York St John University (UK), which was applauded for its commitment to social justice, student satisfaction, and impactful community engagement. 

Meanwhile, Southern Illinois University System (USA) earned the Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion award for its ADEI Unit’s bold reforms that promote equity, advocacy, and inclusive leadership. 

Chief Marketing Officer Saba Davenport added, “From creating social impact to advancing technology and access, these stories remind us of the incredible potential within the higher education community.  

“All our nominees inspired us and showed us the transformative impact students and institutions can have worldwide. We are already looking forward to hearing more incredible stories next year.” 

The awards nominees were evaluated by an international jury of academic and industry experts.

The winners in our student category are:  

• International Student of the Year: Sijin Wal Tuony Jany - Jimma University (Ethiopia) 

• Runner up: Koto Imahori, New York University (USA)

• Student Ambassador of the Year: Ries Anderson - Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (Belgium) 

• Runner up: Saoirse Kane - University of Pécs (Hungary) 

• Student Athlete of the Year: Samh Jain - The University of Buckingham (UK) 

• Runner up: Rita Aguye Cots - The University of the Cumberlands (USA)   

• Student Organization of the Year: UB Commonwealth Club, University of Buea, (Cameroon) 

• Runner up: OPTICA-SPIE Student Chapter, Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany) 

The winners in our institution category:  

• Best Higher Education Marketing Campaign: ESC Clermont BS becomes Clermont School of Business  (France)

• Runner up: Be the Light campaign from Trinity Western University (Canada)

• Best Student Support Service or Initiative is: TUS Learning Gates – Technological University of the Shannon (Ireland)

• Runner up: Moments with Bren Consulting (Canada)

• Leadership Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Southern Illinois University System, ADEI Unit (USA)

• Runner up: CESI École d’Ingénieurs (France)

• Higher Education Institution of the Year: York St John University  (UK)

• Runner up: HIM Business School (Switzerland)

For more details and full list of 2025 winners please visit https://www.keg.com/keystone-awards/winners/2025. To watch the ceremony, click here.  

About Keystone Education Group 

More than 100 million students annually trust Keystone to help them pursue higher education. In turn, Keystone helps over 5,500 education institutions reach, recruit, and enroll prospective students in more than 190 countries.  

Keystone also operates a range of global student recruitment services including UniQuest, Asia Exchange, Blueberry, SONOR, Edunation, and Keystone Sports. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Keystone is backed by Viking Venture and Verdane, two leading Nordic venture firms. Keystone has nearly 900 employees worldwide, with offices across the Nordics, Germany, Spain, and the UK. 

Contact 

Danijela Jurjevic, PR Specialist 
Email: danijela.jurjevic@keg.com 
Tel: +34 621 023 472