UCC Psychology Students' Association Hosts Inaugural Noche De Psicología Dinner & Awards Night 2024

PSA Noche De Psicología Dinner & Awards Night 2024

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Psychology Students' Association (PSA) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) hosted its inaugural Noche De Psicología: Dinner & Awards Night. Originally, the event was scheduled for the PAX Auditorium, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was moved to the Superannuation Hall Conference Room, which provided a cosy and elegant setting for the evening.

Despite some last-minute changes, the event unfolded smoothly. For example, the red carpet, which was originally planned for 6:00 PM, commenced at 8:00 PM, allowing attendees to arrive and settle into the new venue. Subsequently, the main event followed at 9:00 PM, with festivities continuing into the early morning hours, wrapping up between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM. Although these adjustments were communicated by the organizers, they did not dampen the spirits of those in attendance. On the contrary, they added to the anticipation and excitement of the night.

The awards night, themed 'Promoting Departmental and University-wide Alumni Relations,' brought together students, faculty, alumni, and several teaching assistants (T.As) who play an integral role in students' academic journey, in a shared celebration of achievements within the psychology community.

PSA Noche De Psicología Dinner & Awards Night 2024 - Red Carpet

Moreover, the evening recognized outstanding contributions across a wide range of categories, including Male and Female Personality of the Year, Face of PSA (Male and Female), Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Male and Female Course Representative of the Year, Disciplined Student of the Year, Student Sports Personality of the Year (Male and Female), and Student Event Organizer of the Year. This ensured that both academic and extracurricular accomplishments were honoured.

As a finalist, nominee, and proud recipient of the 'Student Blogger of the Year' award—an acknowledgement of the passion and dedication I’ve invested in my blogging journey—I felt truly honoured to be part of this memorable occasion. Winning the award was an incredible moment, made even more special by the presence of my fellow students, T.As, and esteemed lecturers.

The event was graced by three distinguished lecturers from the department: Dr. Derrick Oppong, Dr. Eunice Torto-Seidu, and Dr. Ivy Kesewaa-Nkrumah, who served as the chairperson. Their participation brought a sense of prestige to the occasion, with each offering valuable words of wisdom and encouragement that resonated deeply with the audience. Specifically, as the chairperson, Dr. Ivy guided the event with remarkable leadership and thoughtful contributions, ensuring the evening was meaningful and well-coordinated.

Dr. Ivy Kesewaa-Nkrumah, event chairperson, speaking

This maiden edition of the Noche De Psicología was not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a step towards strengthening the bonds between current students, faculty, and alumni. In fact, the theme of the event underscored the importance of these relationships, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the university years.

Reflecting on the evening, I give the organizers a well-deserved thumbs-up for the success of the program. Indeed, the meticulous planning, despite the last-minute changes, and the warm, inclusive atmosphere made this a night to remember. The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of students but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and continued success within the psychology department.

PSA Noche De Psicología Dinner & Awards Night 2024

However, while the event was a resounding success, it was not without its challenges. One significant issue was the unavailability and difficulty in accessing transportation after the event. Given the late hour, most commercial drivers had retired for the night, leaving many attendees stranded without easy options to return to their hostels, halls, or homes. This is an area that future organizers might consider addressing. For instance, arranging dedicated transportation options or coordinating with local transport services could ensure that attendees get home safely and conveniently.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I believe the inaugural Noche De Psicología Dinner & Awards Night 2024 set a new standard for future editions of the event. It was a night where excellence was celebrated, community bonds were strengthened, and the dedication of students, faculty, and staff was duly recognized. Although there were some post-event transportation challenges, the success of the evening was undeniable, marking a pivotal milestone for UCC’s psychology program and laying a strong foundation for continued growth and collaboration within the department.

PSA Noche De Psicología Dinner & Awards Night 2024