Proud parents, family and friends clapped and cheered as 10 talented students each collected £1,000 scholarships towards their studies at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
The students were the latest recipients of a scholarship programme run by DMU and Gateway Sixth Form College, Leicester. Former Gateway pupils who go on to study at DMU are put forward for the awards, decided by their former teachers and progress coaches.
Gateway College principal Suzanne Overton-Edwards said the winners were chosen based on their performance throughout their time at Gateway. She praised the 2016 scholarship winners, saying: “It has been really inspiring hearing about their stories. They make us feel really proud and we wish all of them continued success.”
Dean of Health and Life Sciences, Simon Oldroyd, was on hand to help present the awards. Since the partnership with Gateway, DMU had helped to prepare students for higher education, including masterclasses with lecturers and competitions for potential students.
He said: “All these students have achieved something very special. Being told that your work has been recognized in this way is something to be very proud of and this is testament to their success.”
The first winner, Tasnim Bulbul (Law LLB, Hons
pictured above) proved studying at DMU was a family affair as she followed her big sister Farah not just to DMU but to study Law. She said: “It’s a family thing! She told me how fantastic the staff were and how friendly it was. I’m having a competition with my sister now on what grades we get!”
Maria Bouazzoz (English and Media BA Hons) was named as “definitely one to watch” by her former tutors. She aims to become a novelist and writer, and has begun a blog. She said: “I’m so proud right now to have got this award.”
Jordan Betts-Bailey, Creative Writing and English BA (Hons) was given a scholarship by tutors who described her as “a truly gifted creative. She always seemed to find a way to encapsulate topics so beautifully within her musings.”
Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) student Mohamed Khan was praised for his determination to follow his ambition of university study, preparing an outstanding portfolio and dedication to his study. He said: “I’m really enjoying DMU. The lecturers are really nice and the course is interesting.”
The other scholarships went to Game Art student Krystian Zembrzski, described as “never afraid to work outside his comfort zone. His attention to detail and his constant striving to achieve his best ensured the successes he deserved while studying at Gateway College.”
Psychology and Criminology student Lucy Smith won her scholarship after demonstrating her ability to challenge herself and commit to studying. Liz Ward, progress coach manager, said: “I’ve no doubt that you are doing fantastically well at university and you will be enjoying your course. I am so proud of you and I know this award will mean a lot.”
Marissa Sanga, who is in her first year of a Health Studies degree, was given a scholarship in recognition of the effort she placed on her work. Tutors said: “She always ensured that she put in maximum effort to produce work of the highest standard and anything less was not good enough for Marissa.”
The citation for “hardworking and conscientious” student Reena Keshwala, who is now studying Business Law LLB (Hons) said: “Reena often went above and beyond what was required as she was very focused on achieving high grades.”
Psychology student Bhavni Tailor was praised by her progress coaches at Gateway, who added: “She was always on the ball in terms of studies and always gave it her all. She will excel at university.”
Biomedical Sciences Karminder Ghotra was described as “mature, informative and independent, with a great set of skills which will take her anywhere she needs.”
Posted on Friday 23 December 2016