Award Winners 2017
Delivering Excellence award
WINNER – Claire Lewis
Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Internationalisation
Claire took on the role of Acting Communications Manager in November 2016 during a period of significant change. As well as building a new Communications Team, Claire put in place a new faculty facing structure for the Communications Officers and also played a key role in a range of institutional projects. Claire's attention to detail, her professionalism, and her commitment to building relationships across the University, has earned her a reputation as a colleague focused on Delivering Excellence in all aspects of her role.
"Claire's focus is on delivering high quality work, regardless of the demands in terms of effort or flexibility."
Team of the Year Award
WINNERS – Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Student Recruitment Hub
This team has exceeded its student recruitment targets across GB, postgraduate and international markets. Their success relies on teamwork and a supportive culture which plays to everyone’s strengths and helps to generate fresh ideas. The team has successfully collaborated across the University to deliver results, including: working with academics to host the largest ever AHSS summer school programmes; with the International Office to deliver events in six countries generating over 5,000 international student applications; and with the MRCI Directorate in Queen’s best ever clearing campaign.
"This team makes things happen and delivers outcomes."
Achieving Ambition Award
WINNER – Fergus McGrath
The William J Clinton Leadership Institute
Fergus has successfully developed a strategic 'partnership' with Danske Bank which has brought benefits to the Leadership Institute and the wider University. He values the diversity the whole institution can offer and takes it to his client with a confidence and passion that engenders trust and a desire to work with us. After just one year, Fergus has grown revenues with this client across the institution, including the Chief Executive's Club, Research and Enterprise, Queen's Management School and the Students' Union.
"Fergus believes in the ethos of 'One University' and this is reflected in his work."
Outstanding Leadership Award
WINNER – Dr Denise Fitzgerald
School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
A Principal Investigator in the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Denise is a leader in postdoctoral development within Queen's. She has successfully established a new Postdoctoral Initiative to enhance and diversify postdoctoral career development and was instrumental in the creation of the Faculty Postdoctoral Development Centre (PDC). Denise leads by example in everything she does: her research, leadership, ambition and her drive to help Postdocs succeed in their chosen career path.
"Denise is a true inspiration and leader for all Postdocs, and is making a real difference to postdoc life at Queen's."
Community Impact Award
WINNER – Deborah Morgan
Human Resources
Deborah leads the Staff Wellbeing programme which is making a positive impact not just on staff but on the wider community. A key part of the programme is promoting corporate social responsibility through volunteering and fundraising. During the year, Deborah organised a range of initiatives which raised money and awareness for local charities, including the Queen's Foundation, Disability Sport NI and Aware NI. Activities included the Four-Week Pedometer Challenge in which over 600 staff participated and Staff Choir events.
"Deborah is a great role model whose leadership of the Staff Wellbeing programme has ensured its impact is felt beyond Queen's."
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER – Professor Amilra de Silva
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
AP has made a significant and sustained contribution to Queen's, science and healthcare over more than 30 years. One of his leading research achievements has been the development of innovative and pioneering sensors and their subsequent adaption into point-of-care blood analysers which have changed the face of healthcare. He is also a much loved teacher who has inspired generations of students and has been a supportive mentor to numerous colleagues.
"AP is a world-leader who promotes Queen's everywhere he goes. He is a role model and excellent colleague."
ICARE Award
WINNER – Dr Alison MacKenzie
School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
Dr Alison Mackenzie (pictured, second from left), Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, was the recipient of a surprise award at this year's Staff Excellence Awards. The 'ICARE' Award (inspired by Queen's Core Values: Integrity, Connected, Ambition, Respect and Excellence) was awarded to Alison as recognition of her ambassadorial embodiment of these values as a work colleague and as an inspiring leader of and advocate for her students.
"It was clear to the Panel that this person's work epitomised all that the Staff Excellence Scheme stands for."