Alumni Ambassador Award

Alumni Awards 2025


H Make sure you vote for your favourite by 3 March 2025
 
Recognising graduates who have gone above and beyond with their ambassador duties.
Examples can include: paying it forward with their time by hosting alumni events for a particular chapter; offering guidance and support by mentoring the next generation of graduates; sharing their experiences through inspirational storytelling or by speaking publicly at events aimed at our student community.
 

Meet our Alumni Ambassador Award finalists

Michelle Cotter

MNurs Nursing (Adult Health & Mental Health) graduate
Supporting statement supplied by Timothy Murray
Michelle has been a dedicated, motivated and committed student during her Pre-Registration Nursing journey. From commencing the programme, Michelle has been passionate about being an ambassador for the University of Plymouth and supporting fellow students through the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS).
Initially Michelle applied for and commenced the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) programme. Michelle quickly became a PALS lead for the duration of her programme and took this a step further when she awakened her passion for Adult Nursing, enrolling onto the MNurs programme to complete a dual nursing registration in Adult and Mental Health Nursing.
Despite the challenges with learning a whole field of nursing in a year, Michelle continued to support colleagues through PALS and was always present at Open Days, Interview Days, PALS events and also heavily supported Clinical Skills delivery for the cohorts below her. She is always quick to advocate and support her fellow students and use near peer experience to help people learn from her own journey.
Michelle Cotter, Alumni Ambassador Award finalist
Michelle has been in impeccable student that I personally have seen grown professionally over her four year MNurs programme and I know that her patients and the people that she cares for will be incredibly lucky. On top of this, I know that Michele will continue to be an exemplary advocate for the University of Plymouth and will maintain close connections in a professional capacity. Well done Michelle, it has been an honour to see you progress.
 

Panks Pankhurst

BSc Chemistry graduate
Supporting statement supplied by Jon Christie
As a BSc (Hons) Chemistry alumni, Panks has gone above and beyond in her commitment to assisting current students, offering valuable insights, and providing career guidance in a number of impactful ways.
Panks has been a key speaker at several Royal Society of Chemistry industry networking events held at the University, where she has represented Babcock as a graduate employer. Her participation in these events has been a valuable opportunity for students to hear crucial insights into career paths and the skills required to succeed.
Beyond her involvement in networking events, Panks has been an invaluable resource in supporting the delivery of our second-year chemistry unit, where she has served as both a mentor and a judge for the business challenge component. In this role, Panks has helped students develop and refine their business ideas, offering practical guidance on how to craft a convincing market entry strategy. Her input as a judge has been instrumental in providing students with real-world feedback during their group pitches, helping them to navigate the complexities of business development and communication.
Panks Pankhurst Alumni Awards Alumni Ambassador Award finalist
Furthermore, Panks has been a regular and active contributor to our professional mentor programme within the Careers Service, which she has co-led for the past two years. Her ongoing support has helped numerous students bridge the gap between education and the world of work, providing them with invaluable career advice, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
 

Timothy Murray

BSc Nursing (Adult), MClinRes Clinical Research and PG Cert Clinical Education graduate
Supporting statement supplied by Michelle Cotter
As an Executive Peer-Assisted Learning Support Lead for nursing students, I have a deep appreciation for the vital mentorship role Tim has undertaken in supporting the development of future nurses. Tim has been a dedicated mentor, providing guidance and encouragement to nursing students at every stage of their education, in seminars, the clinical skills lab and on clinical placements. His commitment to ensuring that students have meaningful and productive placements has been particularly commendable.
Tim is a strong advocate for the Safer Learning Environment Charter, working tirelessly to ensure that students receive the support and resources they need to thrive in clinical settings.
On a personal level, Tim has been an inspirational mentor to me throughout my nursing degree. His belief in my potential and his willingness to offer me opportunities that I never thought possible have been pivotal in shaping the professional I am becoming. He has provided me with invaluable insights and career guidance, helping me to build the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in the healthcare field.
Timothy Murray Alumni Awards Alumni Ambassador Award finalist
Tim’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of nurses extends beyond individual mentorship. His tireless work to improve students’ experiences and create a supportive learning environment has had a lasting impact on many of us. His unwavering commitment to student success makes him an outstanding candidate for this award.
 

Giensaye George

BSc Environmental Science graduate
Supporting statement
Since graduating from the University of Plymouth with a degree in Environmental Science, I have pursued a career dedicated to impactful leadership and expanding educational opportunities, particularly in Nigeria. As Lead Counsellor and Office Administrator at Wellspring School Support System (WSSS), I manage branch operations and lead international recruitment initiatives, bringing global education pathways closer to Nigerian students. Through marketing strategies, education fairs, and direct engagement with students and parents, I have empowered many young people to pursue their academic dreams abroad.
My previous role as International Recruitment Manager at Schneider Institute involved guiding students through the complex processes of university applications, visas, and settlement in the UK. I ensured they were well-prepared and informed at every step, reflecting Plymouth’s values of inclusion and global perspective.
While at Plymouth, I served as a Student Ambassador, welcoming and supporting new international students. This experience shaped my skills as a mentor and advocate, qualities I now bring to my work at WSSS and beyond.
Giensaye George Alumni Awards Alumni Ambassador Award finalist
This award would honour the University’s role in my journey and recognise my commitment to fostering educational access, supporting students across borders, and promoting global learning—values that the University instilled in me.