Winners were selected from nominations put forward by students and staff, and prizes were handed out at the event at Ribby Hall, Preston.

The winners were:

• LUMS Student of the Year 2017: Jade Street (BSc Accounting and Finance)
• LUMS Society Member of the Year 2017: Daria Papenko (Marketing Society)
• LUMS Society Event of the Year 2017:  Bright Futures - Dinner with Industry
• LUMS Society of the Year 2017: Lancaster University Marketing Society
• Outstanding Support Staff Contribution to LUMS 2017: Danny Palmer (BSc Business Studies – Administrative Assistant within the Careers team)
• Outstanding Service to LUMS Students 2017: Rebecca Beaumont (Learning Developer (UG))
• LUMS Academic Staff Member of the Year 2017: Dr Pelham Gore (Accounting and Finance)
• LUMS Academic Staff Member of the Year 2017: Dr Hilary Ingham (Economics)

Accounting and Finance student Jade said: ”I am over the moon to have received the student of the year award. It is really amazing to be recognised for my contributions to the department. Students are more than just numbers at Lancaster University, we are recognised for our efforts and praised for our creativity."

Jade was nominated by Teaching Fellow Sayjda Talib because of her strong academic record, her establishment of the Lancaster University Accounting and Finance Society and her work with the ICAEW, negotiating sponsorship for society events. Sayjda said: “Successfully leading a team of 6 executive members, Jade has impressed both her peers and many of the Accounting and Finance departmental staff with her enthusiasm and professional approach. Using her experience as an AcF student, she has thought carefully about the needs of our students and has planned future events in line with this e.g., revision drop-in sessions, second-hand book selling events, and joint events with LUMS societies, arranging talks with returning placement students and organising visits from professional Accountancy bodies.

“Having one of the largest student cohorts across the university, making AcF students feel they have an academic identity is always going to be challenging. Jade’s efforts in the last two years, have contributed positively in giving students the opportunity to get a better student experience and engage in activities more relevant to their career plans.”

Daria, an Advertising and Marketing student, said: “I am incredibly grateful for all of the support that the Marketing society and I have received throughout this Term. We have achieved many great things and did our best to support Lancaster students in their university life. I have learned so much from my executive team and our members; this experience is so valuable and I couldn’t have seen myself doing anything else during these three years. I would definitely recommend that everyone discover the beauty of society involvement, as well as working toward self-development and improvement. Societies are starting points for dreams and goal achievement, so don’t waste these exciting opportunities! Get involved!”

Staff winners were also delighted. 

Outstanding Service winner Rebecca Beaumont said: “I was thrilled to receive this award and it is great to know that colleagues and students appreciate the work that we do in learning development, so thank you very much!”

Dr Hilary Ingham said: “I was very shocked to have won this award, but it was a very pleasant surprise. I would like to thank those who nominated me. In reality it is an award for all the staff and the students in the Economics Department to whom I am very grateful.”

Dr Pelham Gore said: “I am delighted to receive this award and would like to thank all my colleagues for making this possible.”