City of Westminster College’s annual Staff Awards celebrate the dedicated professionals who ensure our students make the grade, as well as the teams who keep College life running smoothly.
This year’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning went to Gareth Chester-Jones and Theo Mensah. Gareth, who is Head of School for Humanities and Access received praise for his dedication, and for being an inspiration to others. Business and Community Studies Lecturer Theo was applauded for his support of students – and for helping to convince them they have the potential to succeed.
The Awards for Support for Students went to Sabrina Louis and Julie Stuart-Murray. Sabrina, a Learning Services Facilitator, was nominated by many students for many reasons – including being helpful, approachable and never in a bad mood! As Deputy Head of School for Technology, Julie was applauded for always putting students first and working tirelessly on their behalf.
The Awards for Promoting Student Diversity went to Laura Carey and Henderson Murray. Laura, a Lecturer in Business and Community Studies, is praised for her exemplary fairness and sensitivity – and for ensuring support that enables many more students to achieve. Prince’s Trust Team Leader Henderson is celebrated for motivating and energising his learners and enabling their voices to be heard.
The Awards for Excellence in External Customer Services went to Trina Ghurbhuran and Anna Grousson. Trina, a Lecturer in Technology, was nominated for forging and maintaining the most successful ITQ work experience links her colleagues have ever seen. As Personal Assistant to Deputy Principal David Pigden, Anna received her award for exceptional organisational skills and initiative in helping to successfully steer through the Paddington Green Campus project.
The Awards for Excellence in Internal Customer Services went to Elaine Gribben and the Cleaning Team at Paddington Basin. Elaine, our Student Records Manager, has gained the respect of everyone she works with and was praised for her knowledge, enthusiasm – and willingness to go the extra mile. The Cleaning Team –May Antoine, Rahman Dada, Augustine Dominique, Sahra Muse and Claudia Thuma – were nominated by many staff and students for their meticulous attention to detail, seamless service and willingness to carry out an essential service exceptionally well.
The Staff Awards are also an opportunity to say thank you to staff who have achieved Long Service Awards, and to those who are retiring. Long Service Awards, honouring 20 years’ service, went to Frances Benedito, Shauna Cunningham, Paula Matthews and Ann Tucker. Retirement presentations mark the huge contribution of Liz Goodfellow, Mary Harrison, Christine Lentzos, Rodney Longman, Sue Porter, Annabelle Riseborough, Joan Roache and John Rowe – all of whom will be sadly missed by colleagues and students alike.