Students awarded for excellence

Lecturers throughout the UK nominated students who they felt deserved the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) ‘Student of the Year Awards.’   

The awards ceremony took place on July 17 held at The ITT Summer Party in the Terrace Pavilion at The House of Commons.

The awards recognise the travel industry’s up‑and‑coming talent and illustrate ITT’s on‑going commitment to the collaboration of education and industry through a variety of initiatives.

Adam Checkley won an award for the ‘Student of the Year’ in recognition of his success in tourism. Adam was nominated after gaining a manager’s position through the University’s KEEN project and graduating with a first class honours degree.

Receiving the award, Adam said: “It was an honour and a privilege to receive such a prestigious award in such beautiful surroundings.

“I would like to thank my friends, family and lecturers for all their support over the last 3 years as without them I would not be receiving this award, so thank you.”

Previous student of the year, Sam Royston won the ‘Bella Rangel Callan ITT Student of the Year’ award recognising his academic achievement.  He was nominated for his engagement with industry through work placements, while contributing case studies to academic books, as a student rep with complete focus on following a career in teaching.

Sam said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have won the award and to have been fortunate enough to have visited the grand backdrop of the House of Commons on two occasions to collect an award from the ITT. Ever since winning my previous award last year, it has been my aim to put myself in the running for the overall ‘Student of the Year’ award.

“Winning the award is not only recognition of the hard work and effort that I have put into my last three years at the University of Wolverhampton, but also a real testimony to the staff within the Leisure Industries Department, who have provided me with the time, knowledge and academic and personal support which have allowed me to flourish during my time here.” 

Sam received a bursary of £1,000 along with his award.

Peter Robinson, Principal Lecturer and Head of Department for Marketing, Innovation, Leisure and Enterprise at the University said:  “We are, of course delighted that Adam has won the ITT Student of the Year Award for the University of Wolverhampton - this is great achievement for Adam, who has graduated with a first class honours degree and has already secured an exciting job with a local event business.

“We are especially delighted that Sam has won the Bella Rangel Callan Award - this is a fantastic achievement and reflects Sam's total commitment to his studies and to a future career in the travel and tourism sector.

“He took every opportunity whilst studying with us to develop his knowledge and his employability - he has even contributed to a new international tourism textbook.

“A huge well done to both of them!”

ENDS

For more information please contact Danielle Taylor in the Media Relations Office on
01902 322448

Date Issued: 25 July 2014