Personal Tutor Awards pull in record votes
A record 650 nominations were submitted for the 2010 ‘I Love My Personal Tutor Awards’, organised by Leeds University Union (LUU).
“With the nominations totalling more than both the preceding years’ combined, it quickly became clear the amazing impact personal tutors have on their students, and how difficult it would be to find winners,” said Michael Gladstone, LUU Education Officer. “Nominations were received for tutors from every faculty, from students ranging from first-year undergraduates to mature part-timers; home and international students; those with special needs, family problems or health difficulties and those confused about career options or how to improve their work.
“In the best nominations, students recognised the help they’d received to settle into university, the career, co-curricular advice and pastoral support they’d been given, the faces that were friendly and doors that were open during tough times. Tutors were praised for being approachable, welcoming and available, and for providing their students with options and encouragement. The most impressive tutors helped students to help themselves.”
120 tutors were shortlisted to attend a celebration event in LUU, at which Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, presented ten tutors and four schools with an LUU ‘I Love My Personal Tutor’ award.
“Each of the winners had done some remarkable things and clearly made a lasting impact on the tutees who nominated them,” continued Michael. “Thanks to our amazing personal tutors working within the framework set by Leeds for Life, students at Leeds will be able to develop, reach their potential and ultimately meet the challenges of life as a graduate.”
The following colleagues were voted winners: Dr Claire Honess – Modern Languages; Dr David Pilbeam – Faculty of Biological Sciences (FBS); Gianluca Veronesi – Leeds University Business School; Dr Andrew Kennedy – Theology and Religious Studies; Dr Mark Smith – History; Dr Stephanie McBurney – FBS; Dr Peter Gardner – Psychology; Dr Sharon Elley – Sociology and Social Policy; Dr Patrick McGowan – Chemistry; and Dr James Worrell – Politics and International Studies.
The winning schools were Geography, Law, FBS and Healthcare.
