Extra Mile Awards 2015/16
The Extra Mile Awards is an annual event run by the University in partnership with Birmingham City University Students’ Union.
The awards recognise the achievements of the University’s most exceptional staff and students.
We’re proud that our teaching staff not only come from industry but work hard to share their knowledge and insight.
The winner and runner-up in each category for 2015/16 were announced at an awards ceremony in Eastside City Park on Wednesday 11 May.
So here's the run-down of our fantastic staff and students who got a prize!
Staff award winners
Frontline and Behind the Scenes Staff of the Year
This award will be presented to an exceptional member of staff whose hard work ensures that the University runs effectively and that students achieve highly.
Winner: Gillian Evans
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
"Gill is not only a talented administrator who is well-organised and efficient – she also goes the extra mile to facilitate excellent outcomes."
Jim Chapman
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
"Jim’s warmth, humour, listening skills and sensitive fair and sensible approach seem to have generated a renewed positive team spirit.”"
Engaging and Inspiring Teacher of the Year
This award recognises the University’s outstanding teaching.
Winner: Daniel Browell
Arts, Design and Media
“His experience and expertise has greatly inspired me to learn and achieve.”
Runner up: Thomas Lancaster
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
“He has brilliant methods in teaching and always interacting with us."
Personal Tutor of the Year
This category recognises the University's best personal tutors.
Winner: Gary Hazeldine
Business, Law and Social Sciences
“My overall experience of university is enhanced by his enthusiasm, knowledge and passion.”
Runner up: Samuel Coley
Arts, Design and Media
“His continued belief in me has given me the motivation and confidence to see my course through to the end!”
Researcher of the Year
This award will be presented to the academic member of staff who is judged to have made the biggest contribution to research and enterprise work over the academic year.
Winner: Stephen Wanless
Health, Education and Life Sciences
“Steve’s research into manual handling techniques, as well as directly informing practice, is underpinning learning and teaching both in the classroom and out in the real world.”
Runner up: David Wilson
Business, Law and Social Sciences
“Professor Wilson is the embodiment of a BCU academic – someone who cares about making a difference to those affected by the criminal justice system and passing on that knowledge."
Team of the Year
The team award recognises the outstanding partnership work going on across the University.
Winner: Pro Bono Unit
Business, Law and Social Sciences
"The Unit provides free legal services to the most vulnerable in society in Birmingham and internationally. It also offers students a practice-based learning experience."
Runner up: CommUNIcate
Business, Law and Social Sciences
“This team has enabled staff and students from all sorts of backgrounds and ages to work collaboratively together and develop an outstanding showcase.”
Student award winners
Engaged Student of the Year
This award recognises students who commit themselves to getting the most out of their time at the University and help to improve the experience for other students too.
Winner: Jaspreet Singh
Business, Law and Social Sciences
“We need more students like him to make this world a better place to live.”
Runner up: Alexander Gittings
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
“He persuades other students that anything is possible and fills others with confidence.”
Meet one of our nominees - Storms
Nursing student Storms Menri has been shortlisted in the Engaged Student of the Year category. Not only does he help other students with their exams and coursework as a mentor, he's also a dementia champion and a keen sportsman - captaining athletics teams and plays basketball.
"I wanted to get involved in every aspect of the university and feel a part of whatever was happening," he said.
Entrepreneurial Student of the Year
This category recognises students who are going the extra mile to develop their employability and career prospects, putting the skills from their degree to work.
Winner: Steve Adigbo and Waheed Rafiq
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
“They are co-founders of BlindX3 Ltd, a start-up company that specialises in the development of assistive technology for the blind.”
Runner up: Alexander Gittings
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
"Alexander is an inspiring innovator and created a gadget called SmartIgnite, a device that allows domestic users to safely ignite fireworks via a smartphone app."
Student Academic Leader of the Year
This award is presented to the Student Academic Leader who is judged to have made the biggest difference to students on their course.
Winner: Amrit Kaur Gill
Business, Law and Social Sciences
"She attends meetings with tutors to explain exactly what we have told her, speaking on behalf of us, sticking up for us and backing our views - AMRIT IS OUR VOICE."
Runner up: Robert Crehan
Arts, Design and Media
"Rob is keen to solve any issues that may occur keeping both staff and students in the loop, and strives to make sure that all parties are happy with the outcomes."
Student in the Community
This category recognises students for their fundraising and volunteering work in the community.
Winner: Casey Petch
Health, Education and Life Sciences
"Not only has she completed her first half marathon a few days ago to help raise money for charity, but she has also done volunteer work with in the community in hospital wards, bringing teas and coffees to patients and just giving them a person to talk to."
Runner up: Kirsty Devaney
Health, Education and Life Sciences
"Kirsty is in the third year of leading Birmingham Conservatoire's Young Composers Project. The project is life changing for many participants who said it's increased their confidence, and encouraged them to pursue composition in ways they hadn't dreamed."
The Extra Mile Awards is an annual event run by the University in partnership with Birmingham City University Students’ Union. The awards recognise the achievements of the University’s most exceptional staff and students.
Nominations are now closed
Nominations for the Extra Mile Awards 2015/16 have now closed. The winners will be announced in an awards ceremony on Wednesday 11 May.
Thanks to everyone who made a nomination.