Announcing our 2020 prize winners
Every year the UCO awards a small number of prizes to UCO students in recognition of their exceptional performance and commitment to their studies.
We are very pleased to announce that this year's winners are as follows:
- Gold Medal - Albert Obeng
- Silver Medals - Meghan Reed and Maite Delafin
- Vice Chancellor's Prize for Clinical Excellence - Meghan Reed
- L.M. Naidoo Prize for Practical Osteopathic Skills - Sophie Vivian
Best Overall Performance Prizes:
- Master of Osteopathy Full-time First Year Prize – Mia Barclay
- Master of Osteopathy Full-time Second Year Prize – Mollie Tappenden
- Master of Osteopathy Full-time Third Year Prize – Holly Westwood
- Master of Osteopathy Part-time First Year Prize – Nathaniel Farmer
- Master of Osteopathy Part-time Second Year Prize – Caroline Kinnane
- Master of Osteopathy Part-time Third Year Prize – Ian Greaves
- Master of Osteopathy Part-time Fourth Year Prize – Cindy Milway
- Master of Science in Osteopathy (Pre-Registration) First Year Prize – Sorin-Ionut Dumbrava
- Master of Science in Osteopathy (Pre-Registration) Second Year Prize – Francesca Serraggiotto
- Postgraduate Certificate in Animal Osteopathy Prize – Diana Drury
- Postgraduate Certificate in Academic and Clinical Education Prize – Sophie Tully
- Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Paediatric Osteopathic Practice Prize – Alexandra Bidlake-Corser
The Gold Medal is a particularly noteworthy honour, recognising an individual who has performed well academically over their time at the UCO, has made a positive contribution to their year and to the life of the university, and who, it is felt, will make a positive contribution to the profession in the future. Students are nominated by members of faculty and are considered by the Board of Examiners. The Gold Medal is only awarded in exceptional circumstances, with the last recipient receiving the honour in 2017.
This year's Gold Medal winner, Albert Obeng, has the following message for fellow graduates and students:
“When I was at the UCO , I used to say a prayer every morning as I walked to catch my bus to uni. And I still pray that prayer to this day. It went something like this: 'Dear God, as I step out into the world, use me as a vessel to bring hope, joy and peace to those that I come across. Let my smile brighten people’s moods and use my hands to heal those that I touch. Let me be a reflection of your goodness. Amen.' Not only did I pray this prayer but I strived to embody it daily.
"It might be a fair assumption to say that most of us chose this prestigious career because we want to make a difference in the lives of others. Therefore, whatever challenges you might be facing in your personal lives, keep your head up and remember you have a duty to serve and make a difference. Good luck to you all in all your endeavours. God bless.”
Charles Hunt, Vice-Chancellor says:
"I would like to extend my warm congratulations to all our prize-winners. The last six months have been particularly challenging for us all, but we are immensely proud of the quality of our students, and it is fantastic to be able to recognise the hard work and commitment our prize winners have shown towards their studies and the UCO."
Prize winners would usually be presented with their prizes at our annual Graduation Ceremony in November. Unfortunately this year's ceremony and the annual Student Ball has been cancelled in line with current COVID-19 guidance, but we are currently considering alternatives and will provide more information in due course.