Winners 🥳

🏆 Samarthia Thankappan

Samarthia's positive enthusiasm on post-offer visit days is infectious.

She has given up many Saturdays but does not let the inconvenience of doing that show. It makes a positive difference to all involved to see the person organising these days be so positive. She is friendly and helpful on the day to all staff, students, applicants and parents/guests. Samarthia even remembers to email after every event to say thanks to everyone involved. She deserves someway of thanks in return!

Core values exemplified:

1. We make a positive difference.

2. We are a friendly and helpful community.

🏆 Sally Beckenham

Sally has been instrumental in supporting the department in her role as Programme Lead and pastoral supervisor. As HuGE PL, Sally has been engaging with other departments to identify relevant optional modules for the programme in a timely and strategic manner which has enabled a set of modules to be identified that will immeasurably strengthen the HuGE programme. Recently, Sally has also been praised by a parent for the inspirational support she has provided to her daughter in her capacity as Pastoral Tutor which has gone above and beyond department expectations e.g. facilitating industry and network links on LinkedIn to support the student's ongoing career development.

When Karen’s Mum was ill and then died, Sally took great pains to make sure that Karen felt connected, supported, and valued. She did this by regularly scheduling meetings and alongside Jess Roberts, she took on Karen’s teaching with minimal help from Karen. Sally embodied our fourth value through her significant support and leadership. She is frequently brainstorming with colleagues as a means to support and help them and she is highly accessible to students - willing to go the extra mile without a reward to ensure they are supported.

Core values exemplified:

1. We make a positive difference.

2. We are a friendly and helpful community.

3. We are curious and always learning.