The Chancellor's Prize
The Chancellor's Prize was established in 1992 through the generosity of Lord Kearton, the University's second Chancellor. It is awarded annually to the best final year undergraduate student on the basis of the student demonstrating academic excellence together with a contribution to the life, academic reputation and general work of the University.
The winner of the 2012 prize is:
Kate Aldridge
MSci (hons) Mathematics and Physics
Department of Physics
The Committee was impressed with Kate’s consistently high academic results representing first class grades on every unit throughout the programme. Her academic achievement is complemented by her very successful involvement in departmental activities, including leading reviews of departmental practice and chairing the SSLC. She has taken on the role of STEM ambassador and set up a peer mentoring scheme for first year students. She has contributed significantly to the general life of the University through her work with international students and students from under-represented backgrounds. She has been an International Student Mentor, a Conversation Mentor for international students, a Senior Student Ambassador/Outreach Ambassador and an International Student Helper. She has been Chair of Gravity Vomit and organised a large number of juggling and circus skills performances and training sessions. Kate has also given outstanding service to the community by acting as an e-mentor with Brightside for gifted and talented students and is a volunteer with Age UK, providing companionship and assistance with basic tasks for an elderly lady who is registered blind. The Committee considered that the range of Kate’s involvement, her willingness to lead or provide support to projects as required and her outstanding academic achievement make her a very worthy recipient of the prize.
Past Winners
| Year | Name | Department |
| 2011 | Ben Lane | Mechanical Engineering |
| 2010 | Ruth Fitzpatrick | Psychology |
| 2009 | Susan Sadek | Psychology |
| 2008 | Jack Mitchell | European Studies and Modern Languages |
| 2007 | Fredrik Harboe | Management |
| 2006 | Andrew Edwards and Rebecca Plappert (joint award) | Physics |
| 2005 | Heather Mackenzie | Pharmacy & Pharmacology |
| 2004 | Thomas Vincent | Mechanical Engineering |
| 2003 | Mr Stuart Snell | Chemical Engineering |
| 2002 | Mr Barrie Cooper | Mathematical Sciences |
| 2001 | Miss Hannah Spencer Mr Andrew Leather (joint award) |
Sports & Exercise Science Natural Sciences |
| 2000 | Mr Damien Le Gresley | Electronic & Electrical Engineering |
| 1999 | Mr David Lawton | Physics |
| 1998 | Mr Adam English | European Studies & Modern Languages |
| 1997 | Miss Anjli Shah (International Modern Languages) & Mr Matthew Bowers (Electronic & Electrical Engineering) (joint award) |
|
| 1996 | Mr Gary Weston | Electronic & Electrical Engineering |
| 1995 | Mr Paul Lapworth | Mechanical Engineering |
| 1994 | Miss Abigail Stott | Mathematical Sciences |
Prize Committee
The members of the Prize Committee for 2012 were as follows:
- Professor M J Welham (Chair)
- Professor C Harland
- Professor C James
- Professor P Keogh
- Mr D Howells