Student and Alumni Achievement Awards

The Open University Business School celebrates the exceptional achievements of its high calibre students and alumni annually. The awards, now in their 10th year, are held to commend some of the highest achieving students from the past academic year, and alumni members who have made an outstanding contribution to an organisation or society.

The success of the 2013 award winners and highly commended individuals was celebrated at the Meliá White House in London on 26 June. They were joined and congratulated by Professor Rebecca Taylor, Dean of The Open University Business and Law School, and David Harrison, MBA Alumnus and Managing Partner at True Potential LLP.

As the guest speaker, David Harrison commented:

“When you look at the stories of people here, I get inspired by them, rather than the other way round.”

The award winners also expressed their feelings towards the award and talked about their personal journeys in achieving their qualifications:

“It was lovely to think that all the effort that was put in during the course has been paid off. The award is certainly the icing on the cake.”
“My organisation is really geared towards education and quality – everything I’ve learnt can feed into that.”
“I don’t see this as the end of my study. I definitely see myself returning to study in the future”.
“The concept behind an OU MBA is very hard work, it needs a lot of motivation to achieve the OU MBA. To compete and be nominated from that circle of people is certainly a great honour.”

They also paid tribute to their families, friends and the OU that have supported them throughout their studies towards their qualifications.

Watch the acceptance speeches from this year’s award winners:

The Richard Wheatcroft MBA Student of the Year 2012: Alan Marshall

Watch Alan's acceptance speech below:

Derek Pugh Award for Professional Certificate in Management Student of the Year 2012: Catherine Tate

Watch Catherine's acceptance speech below:

Sally Aisbitt Award for Profession Certificate in Accounting Student of the Year 2012: Jonathan Powell

Watch Jonathan's acceptance speech below:

Rosie Thomson Professional Diploma in Management Student of the Year 2012: Emma Lambden

Watch Emma's acceptance speech below:

BA (Hons) in Business Studies Student of the Year 2012: Jane Bunce

Watch Jane's acceptance speech below:

Alumni Award Outstanding Contribution to an Organisation: Winner Irene Adler

Watch Irene's acceptance speech below:

Alumni Award Outstanding Contribution to an Organisation: Winner Chris Lima

Watch Chris' acceptance speech below: