For the first time in its 22 year history, the 2019-20 AIB Northern Ireland Queen’s Student of the Year Award is to be presented to a group of over 700 students from a range of faculties, schools and departments across the University.
The Award goes to frontline final year and graduating students in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences (MHLS) and in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW), in the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences.
The students in these cohorts are acknowledged for selflessly stepping forward to aid the fight against COVID-19 in the community in various locations throughout Northern Ireland.
The Student of the Year Award recognises exceptional individuals for excellence, achievement or service either to the University or to the wider community.
Making this year’s announcement, QGA President Victoria Denoon said: “The award of the AIB Queen’s Student of the Year accolade to those final year students who joined the workforce early is reflective of the debt of gratitude we owe them during these unprecedented times.
“Their commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of their community, whilst putting themselves at increased risk, should be recognised.
“I welcome them to the alumni community, and I hope to have the chance to congratulate them in person at a future QGA event.”
At a special, virtual Celebration and Dedication Ceremony at the end of April in which he congratulated medical and nursing graduates, the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “In these unprecedented times, your achievements are even more remarkable given the exceptional circumstances you have faced.”
Referring to the challenges of COVID-19 Professor Greer added: “As a University, we’ve had to be extremely flexible and agile as we deal with the many issues arising from the challenging circumstances and no-one has been more flexible and agile than those who have completed their studies early, to join the NHS workforce.
“Your selflessness and willingness in joining the frontline has been both humbling and inspiring.”
In addition to those from the MHLS Faculty, 103 final year Social Work students from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work opted to fast-track their studies to support the delivery of social work and health and social care services.
In joining the workforce early, they too played a vital role alongside their colleagues in medicine, nursing and health supporting, caring for and protecting those in most need during the most challenging period of the pandemic.
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