College of Business, Technology and Engineering
Finalists
Giles Cunningham
Isobel Hedges
Muhila Ayyathurai
WINNER!
Muhila Ayyathurai – MBA (Placement)
What they did:
“As a student, they worked with the University as a Student Voice Leader. Their commitment to the post and passion for the work continued beyond that post, beyond graduation and continues to this day in an informal advisory capacity. Such is their passion for Hallam and the international postgraduate taught experience and helping other international students to pursue a career in the UK – they do it to make a difference and to help hold the ladder for others to climb. Their most ‘tangible’ win was to help make the case for investment into video materials relating to the full work experience journey – this in turn created opportunities for our Hallam Freelancers, but critically this and an extensive list of open, professional and insightful recommendations was just the start of work that the University is still working through today.”
What was the impact?
“The work they delivered as a student and their continued efforts as our alumni are virtually inseparable. Their impact therefore, still continues and includes a comprehensive review of student-facing materials re work placements, insights into how best to engage and motivate international postgraduate students, insights into the value of Applied Professional Diploma in a Postgraduate teaching (PGT) context, how Postgraduate work placements are accessed and approved, and finally, how the University approaches bespoke support for PGT students on work experience. Put simply, every student on any form of course with a year-long placement option owes thanks to this person and has in part, benefitted from their hard work.”
How it inspired others:
“They delivered a presentation as a guest speaker at an away day event in January 2023 and to say it was the highlight of an already excellent event would be an understatement – a heartfelt and heart-warming story of their experience during and beyond Hallam was the reminder we all needed for why we’re here in the first place.”
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Finalists
Shama Shoket
Katie Boulton
Adam Hague
WINNER!
Shama Shoket – BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child)
What they did:
“They have been a positive voice for inclusivity and has shown great courage in speaking about anti racism and experiences of micro aggressions – they recently attended a Graduates of Colour talk and was a main speaker sharing her journey and answering question with advice and was very inspiring.”
What was the impact?
“Students had many questions they felt reassured and empowered as heading towards graduating. Academics also learnt about how we can support better.”
How it inspired others:
Ideas and how to face challenges.
College of Social Sciences and Arts
Finalists
Lizz Walton
Aqeel Ahmed
Holly Nelson
Jonathan Pearmain
Charlene Patterson
WINNER!
Charlene Patterson – BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design
What they did:
“This student was always a positive role model when they were a student. They were a mature student with 5 children ranging in age from one at university to one at primary school, and a range of ages in-between. The student always attended class and always did fantastic work achieving high grades. This student graduated in 2022 and was awarded the Design Prize for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. They left SHU and then set up their own business. They are actively working to get their business going and is a real inspiration to me.”
What was the impact?
“As a mature student, this student clearly had lots to juggle alongside their uni studies. I’m sure it was sometimes hard for them, but they always managed to get into uni and do some fantastic work, and was also a good support to their peers.”
How it inspired others:
“Such a hard worker, always helpful and positive in the studio. Excelled in their design work achieving 1st grades.”