MLA College is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious awards for the academic year 2023/2024. This year’s three winners have demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance, earning recognition for their outstanding contributions and achievements during their time at MLA College.
Belinda Payne was an esteemed colleague of MLA College who courageously fought a battle against cancer and passed away earlier this year. She dedicated her working life to widening participation and educational opportunities in the further and higher education sector and in recent years she progressed to become a senior Faculty Manager within a University before joining MLA College as Head of Academic Quality & Standards. She has been instrumental in assisting MLA College gain registration as a Higher Education Institution in England and assisting us on our journey as we work towards becoming a private university with our own Degree Awarding Powers.
The Award is for a woman on any MLA College programme and is a tribute to Belinda’s immense courage, tenacity, spirit, and positive influence. Every year MLA College will choose a winner who has shown an affinity with the qualities Belinda would have been proud to see in our students, and we will measure this by considering elements such as contribution to the programme, engagement with the student community, metaphorical distance travelled while studying, and achievement of professional success/positive influence.
This year the Award will go to a student on the Sustainable Maritime Operations programme and is based on her achievement of stellar grades and professional success against the odds. The Awards Committee all agreed that Belinda would be thrilled with our choice, and we are delighted to announce that Nyein Wathan is the first recipient of the award.
Rubelyn Valdehueza has been awarded the MLA College Student Voice Award. This prize is presented to students who have made significant contributions to the Student Voice during and after graduation. Rubelyn’s impact has been profound, shaping the academic experience and fostering a supportive student community.
During her time at MLA College, Rubelyn consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the educational environment. She created a student video diary, showcasing her day-to-day life as she progressed through her master’s degree, providing invaluable content for prospective students of MLA College. With her input and support, Rubelyn has ensured that the voices of her peers are heard and considered and other students will continue to benefit from this in the future.
The University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Prize has been awarded to Momoh Aminu. This award recognises students who have shown remarkable academic progress and perseverance. Aminu’s journey has been inspirational, marked by significant academic achievements despite facing numerous challenges.
From the outset, Aminu exhibited a strong determination to succeed. His academic journey has been characterised by resilience and hard work, overcoming obstacles to achieve his goals. Aminu’s dedication to his studies and his ability to excel in the face of adversity has earned him this well-deserved recognition.
MLA College’s annual awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of its students. Our award winners exemplify the qualities that MLA College strives to cultivate in its community. Their contributions and successes highlight the importance of student engagement and academic perseverance.
We would also like to recognise the runners-up for these awards including Natasha Fowkes and Zeynep Ture (Belinda Payne Empowerment Award), Lito Vertzini, and Hosam Elharmell (University of Plymouth Partnerships Prize).
As MLA College continues to support and nurture its students, the stories of Nyein Wathan, Rubelyn Valdehueza and Aminu serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. The college looks forward to celebrating more successes in the years to come, inspired by the remarkable journeys of its award winners.
