Molly Cantwell, of Limerick Voice, and Owain Evans, formerly of Exeposé, have both been unanimously elected as lifetime members at the SPA's annual general meeting in Bristol last month.

Lifetime membership is a ceremonial honour reserved for those who have made "a significant impact on the wider student media community" and shown exceptional commitment and dedication to student media. Nominations must be submitted in advance and voted upon by all member publications present.

Molly Cantwell, currently the managing editor of Limerick Voice, was nominated by outgoing SPA chair Matt Ward-Perkins and SPA trustees Jem Collins and Aubrey Allegretti. In the wake of the tragic death of the paper's editor-in-chief Joe Drennan, Molly stepped up to lead the paper and support her team, as well as writing tributes to Joe and covering the ongoing court cases.

Jack Walsh, regional officer for Ireland and incoming SPA chair, said: "Not only did Molly keep Limerick Voice together in the weeks and months that followed, but she subsequently led it to new heights. 

"Through this determination to honour Joe’s memory, she represents everything that other student journalists should aspire to and is a fitting recipient of Lifetime membership. She is the true embodiment of what is so special about the SPA and its members."

In recognition of her work, Molly will receive mentoring and support from the SPA trustee team's wider network.

Owain Evans, now a sports reporter for PHNX Sports and PHNX Rising, was also nominated as a lifetime member by Matt Ward-Perkins and Jem Collins, for his work in professionalising and growing the Student Publication Association.

As the chair during the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Owain faced the difficult job of transferring the conference online, despite multiple contracts being in place and tickets been sold. He also undertook the crucial step of registering the Student Publication Association as a charity and updating our constitution, setting us on a path towards sustainability, transparency, and growth. 

Jem Collins, SPA trustee said: "Not only did Owain successfully navigate the SPA through the unchartered waters of the Covid-19 pandemic and set up our long-term future as a charity, he has continued to be incredibly dedicated and generous in his support of the organisation, offering advice and guidance to executive members and trustees some four years after his departure."