Published: 29 April 2022
A month-long celebration of ten years of the University of Sunderland in London came to a close last night with a reception at the Mariott Hotel in Canary Wharf.
Academics and support staff were joined by representatives of our student body, alumni community and colleagues from the University of Sunderland to mark a decade since we first opened our doors.
Alan Hardie, Director of the University of Sunderland in London, said, "Looking back over the last ten years, I’m delighted to have been part of the story of the University of Sunderland in London. The success is down to the incredible reserves of resilience, dedication and innovation staff and students have displayed in abundance. On top of that, their willingness to change, adapt and overcome whatever barriers they were presented with has been exceptional. My heartfelt thanks go out to them, and I look forward with genuine excitement to what the future holds for us and the next cohorts of students"
Throughout April, we have been celebrating the achievement of seeing over 17,000 people improve their lives through education.
During that time, the University has expanded to a new building across the road in HX4, launched new courses and had a record number of our academics achieve Advance HE accreditation, showcasing our commitment to excellence.
Earlier in the day, we held an event for the wider student body, with members of the Students’ Union and Engagement running a range of activities from an egg hunt to a time capsule.
We’ve been highlighting student stories all month as well as welcoming the University of Sunderland Board of Governors to our Marsh Wall building and looking forward to another decade of learning and achievement.
The reception was hosted by our Master of Ceremonies and Director of the University, Alan Hardie, who introduced speeches from Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sunderland in London, and John Mowbray, Chairman of the Board of Governors.
Sir David said, "The 10th anniversary of the University of Sunderland in London is an auspicious moment. It speaks to the immense dedication of both staff and students as we have seen our work in London go from strength to strength over the past decade.
The University of Sunderland in London is now an integral part of the University of Sunderland, making a vital contribution to our life-changing mission as an institution. I look forward to it achieving further success in the years to come."
The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate the work of some of the people who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of our community.
Awards were handed out to two alumni of the University of Sunderland in London who have shown outstanding, noteworthy achievement in at least one of the following areas:
- Professional success demonstrated by notable career achievements
- Extraordinary community involvement
- Excellent service to the University in the following: service in alumni programmes, on advisory committees, student recruitment, internships, mentoring and job placement, and through efforts made to ensure the welfare of the institution
- Promoting the Alumni Association, organising a class reunion and participating in career networking programmes
The winners included:
- Muhi Mikdad - BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Tania Eyanga - MBA Master of Business Administration
The Employee Award Ceremony featured five categories, including:
Always Good With Customers Award
Someone who knows how to treat our prospective students well, is friendly and welcoming to visitors and always presents the best of the University.
- Winner: Zubayrah Anjun - Receptionist
All-Round Good Egg Award
A wholesome member of the University of Sunderland in London staff liked and appreciated by others.
- Winner: Gabriela Preutesi - Student Relations Officer
Living by the University Values Award
Celebrating someone who lives and breathes the values of the University of Sunderland in London: innovation, excellence, collaboration, inspiration and inclusivity.
- Winner: Dr Yahaya Alhassan - Principal Lecturer in Finance and Strategic Management/Assistant Head of Academic Operations
Best Team Award
An award for the team that best represents the University of Sunderland in London, having a positive impact on the lives of our students and staff.
- Winner: The Gateway and Reception
Gabriela Preutesi said, "I am so honoured to receive this award and the recognition for all the work we do. It means a lot to be recognised by my fantastic colleagues in the Services for Students team"
Finally, we wanted to celebrate some of the people that have been with our little community from the beginning.
Certificates were handed out to:
- Tawfiq Elahi – Senior Lecturer/Programme Manager (Postgraduate Business)
- Michael Rigg – English for Academic Purposes
- David Pepper – English for Academic Purposes
- Blerton Hyseni– Senior Lecturer/Programme Manager (Tourism and Hospitality)
- Franziska Vogt - Lecturer (Tourism and Hospitality)
- Yahaya Alhassan - Principal Lecturer in Finance and Strategic Management/Assistant Head of Academic Operations
- Francis Kuagbela - Senior Lecturer/Programme Manager (Finance)
- Sandeep Kudupudi – Admissions Manager
- Nagendra Balusu – Assistant Head of Student Administration and Systems (Student Data Management and Analysis)
- W. Wouter Bouwer – Assistant Head of Student Administration and Systems (IT and Systems)
- Jonny Emmerson - Head of Student Administration and Systems
- Alan Hardie – Director of the University of Sunderland in London
Over the past decade, the University of Sunderland in London has been delighted to see hardworking and dedicated students graduate with the knowledge, skills and passion to succeed.
Here’s to ten more years.
What are your memories of studying at the University of Sunderland in London?
Share your stories with the community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #WeAreSunLon10th.