Politics and Contemporary History Awards: Winners announced

BEST IMPACT AWARD

WINNER: Jon Connor Lyons

“Jon (pictured right) has been an outstanding ambassador for Salford since he first started at the university in 2015. He was actively involved in student politics, becoming the School of Arts and Media’s sabbatical officer and campaigning for LGBTQ+ policies around campus, among other changes. He’s also a local politician; he was the youngest Councillor in Manchester, presenting the Piccadilly ward, a demanding role, in addition to his study, having an impact in the real world, as well as show is passion for local and national politics on the campaign trail. Jon’s commitment to politics is clear, and his work has had an impact on and off campus, supporting others following the same path. In short, there’s no other worthy winner than Jon and we wish him all the best for the future!”

Dr Dan Lomas, Lecturer in International History 

BEST FIRST YEAR

Nominees:

Jackie Kirby

Joshua Seed

WINNER: Fleur Armitage

“Fleur has produced outstanding academic work over the course of several modules. She has shown high levels of interest in the various topics, and has followed queries up with enthusiasm, engaging regularly and maturely with tutors in both electronic and face to face forms of communication. Fleur has consistently sought to apply her knowledge to the study and interpretation of international relations theory and international politics.”

Dr Ben Williams, Lecturer in Politics and Political Theory

BEST SECOND YEAR

Nominees:

Rhys McKavanagh

Hashim Akhtar             

WINNER: Sam Foulger (written by Brian Hall):

“Sam has performed consistently well across all his modules. His attitude towards his studies is exemplary, with an excellent attendance and engagement record, making valued contributions in seminars and workshops. Sam's dissertation proposal, examining the influence of the Macmillan government's defence policies upon the RAF, promises for a very interesting and insightful project, showcasing Sam's aptitude as a historian in the making.”

Dr Brian Hall, Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Contemporary Military & International History

BEST THIRD YEAR

Nominees:

William Jones

Kieran Macauley

WINNER: Naomi Absonmi

“Ever since arriving at Salford, Naomi has performed exceptionally well. She graduated with a well-earned first-class degree in International Relations and Politics. She consistently produced quality work and always fully engages with the programme.  Naomi is a motivated, well organised, articulate but modest student. She wants to move into field of International Development and working on programmes that improve the lives of women, while travelling and working in the developing world over the next couple years.”

BEST POSTGRADUATE

Nominees:

Charlotte Lloyd

WINNER: Josh Clarke

“Josh has performed extremely well this year on our MA in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS). A former Salford undergraduate on the Contemporary Military and International History degree programme, Josh quickly adapted to the extra demands of a Master’s programme of study, and immediately started producing work that was of Distinction standard. In addition to the quality of his written work, members of the MAISS teaching team also drew attention to Josh’s willingness to engage in class discussion and debate, through which he made a valuable contribution to the taught sessions. 

Dr Christopher Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Intelligence Studies