Aspire Student Achievement Awards 2006/07
The Aspire Awards have been established to acknowledge high standards of work. Aspire stands for Advancing Skills for Professionals in the Rural Economy.
The Aspire Centre is the only Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning within an institution or university faculty that specialises in supporting the needs of the rural economy, land-based and food sectors. Harper Adams was selected in recognition of its outstanding work in helping students develop their academic and professional skills, providing work-based learning for sandwich students, meeting the continuing professional development needs of rural professionals and supporting those with a disability.
The following students were presented with the Aspire prize for the best work based project at an award luncheon at Harper Adams University College:
Poppy Arnett
Poppy Arnett of Higher Vexford, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, who completed a FdSc/HND in Countryside Management at the University College, was presented the award by Dr. Abigail Hind, Director of Aspire.
Course Tutor Dr, Richard Byrne commented "Poppy's work based project demonstrated what the Harper Adams HND/FdSc in Countryside Management is all about. The aim of the project is for the students to combine the vocational with the academic, something which Poppy accomplished with genuine enthusiasm and interest. Through maintaining high standards throughout her study she has positioned herself well for future study and employment."
Poppy based her project on her placement experience and worked with her employer to develop her idea - to consider the protection and appropriate re-use of historic farm buildings. Her approach was founded on fieldwork, examination of relevant legislation and a sound understanding of the literature. She managed to combine all the relevant elements to produce an articulate and pertinent study, which she confidently and professionally presented to staff.
Ian Webb
Ian Webb of Bishop Wilton, York, who completed an FdSc/HND in Agriculture at the University College, was presented the award by Dr. Abigail Hind, Director of Aspire.
As part of his final year studies Ian carried out a work-based project entitled "The UK's Potential for Growing Energy Crops and the Possibilities of Growing Them in East Yorkshire".
Course Tutor, John Reade commented "Ian's work was of very high standard and demonstrated his depth of knowledge of the agricultural sector and of the challenges faced by UK agriculture today. In addition it demonstrated Ian's ability to research, assimilate and present agricultural information in a mature and lucid fashion. He has previously been presented with the Yara Wheat Challenge Prize for a piece of work he submitted during his first year of study and it is pleasing that he has continued to work at a high standard during his final year."
Rebecca Holmberg
Rebecca Holmberg of Mostyn, Holywell, Clwyd, who completed an FdSc/HND in Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies at the University College, was presented the award by Dr. Abigail Hind, Director of Aspire.
Rebecca carried out her work placement in 2005/06 with La Cafetiere. She then used the company as a case study and compared the customer relationship management at La Cafetiere with sister company, Knitmesh, for her final year work-based project. She is now employed by La Cafetiere and is in the process of implementing some of her ideas from her project across the sales and customer services departments.
Course Manager, Steve Barnett commented "She has consistently produced work of a high standard throughout both her academic studies and whilst completing her industrial placement year at La Cafetiere. She is a very worthy winner of the Aspire Award."
Vicky Lilley
Vicky Lilley of Roxwell, Chelmsford, who completed an FdSc/HND in Veterinary Nursing at the University College, was presented the award by Dr. Abigail Hind, Director of Aspire.
Vicky worked in a veterinary practice not far from London on her placement year as part of her training to become a qualified veterinary nurse. During her studies she completed a project that focused on the role of the veterinary nurse clinic in a veterinary practice. She examined a range of different clinic types including parasite, obesity, puppy socialization, and owner education. During her placement year she undertook an evaluation of the success and future role of nurse clinics with the clients and the practice staff. Vicky continued to work with clinics after she returned to Harper Adams.
Aspire: as-pir', v., to aim at or strive for higher things
