The winners of this year’s Thank You Awards were announced in a ceremony at St. Paul’s Hall on Monday evening, celebrating the student-endorsed quality of teaching and support staff at the University.

Students put forward an outstanding 650 nominations for 299 members of university staff and those shortlisted for awards came together to celebrate the fantastic quality of staff who had been put forward by their students as being the best at what they do.

The joint initiative between the Students’ Union and Teaching and Learning Institute recognises individuals who have had a positive impact on students’ lives while studying at the University.

Vice President Education, Mike McGougan, said of the event: “It is a privilege to be a part of such a fantastic system where students can truly say thank you, not just the words, but a sincere heart-felt thank you and get true recognition for the staff that made a difference to them whilst they’ve studied here.”

Four different awards were presented on the evening in the categories of Inspirational Teaching, Exceptional Student Support, Enhancing the Student Experience and Outstanding All-round Academic.

The winners of the Thank You Awards 2015 were as follows:

Inspirational Teaching Award

Winner: Simon Crump

“Simon goes to great lengths to help every student out and make us all comfortable with the work that we're doing. He makes it so that it's not a task, but something enjoyable, and his seminars follow suit. He's an excellent tutor, and also like a friend - always making students laugh and lightening situations. He gives his students a lot of confidence in their work, even when they may be struggling.”

Runners Up:

• Stephen Hogarth

• Veronica Newton

• Peter Hogg

Exceptional Student Support Award

Winner: Rukhsana Din

“She's been outstanding and I really appreciate her efforts to help us achieve our goals. She helped me and anybody who has approached her countless times. She's caring and genuinely a lovely person, I feel like I can speak to her about anything both personal and any academic issues I'm having. She deserves this award!"

Runners Up:

• Ruth Brooks

• Ann Wood

• Dr. Lyn Ashmore

Enhancing the Student Experience Award

Winner: Dr. Rob Allan

“He always has something to say that will get the group motivated to work harder at the course.  Every time I leave a tutorial with him I am inspired to work harder at my studies and get the hardest possible grade I can. He always has the group laughing because of his cynical sense of humour.”

Runners Up:

• Paul Hollingdale

• Prof. Jessica Malay

• Natasha Levy

Outstanding All-round Academic Award

Winner: Dr. Naveed Yasin

“Instead of sticking to the book, he likes to find creative ways to interact with students with different learning habits. He deserves this award more than anyone. It’s hard to describe in words, you need to meet him to experience what an amazing person he is.”

The University and the Students’ Union would like to extend their thanks to Mark Mynett, David Spencer and Wayne Bailey for presenting awards on the evening, the Teaching and Learning Institute for working with them throughout the process and the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning Professor Tim Thornton for helping to make the event happen.

If you would like to see the night in real-time, search for #TYA2015 on Twitter for images of the event as it happened.