An Elgin mother of two who undertakes a daily 3 hour commute to study for a degree in Medicine, was one of three Aberdeen students honoured at a ceremony yesterday (Wednesday 28 May), for their outstanding academic and personal achievements.
Susan Macfadyen, Lynsey Hamilton and Jamie Kerr are this year's winners of the 2008 Aberdeen Quincentenary Prize. The annual award established to mark the University's 500th anniversary, recognises the exceptional efforts and talents of students.
Lord Provost Peter Stephen presented each of the successful students with a medal and a £1000 cash prize at the awards ceremony which was held at the Aberdeen City Council Town House.
To become eligible for the Quincentenary Prize, students are nominated by their Heads of Schools within the University. Two prizes are awarded annually, one in the Humanities including Arts, Social Sciences, Divinity, Education and Law and one in Sciences, including Engineering and Medicine with a third prize being awarded at the discretion of the University.
A mother of two young school age children, Susan Macfadyen is in her third year of studying for a degree in medicine. Susan's determination and commitment to her studies despite her lengthy daily commute to attend the University, inspired Professor Neva Haites, Vice-Principal and Head of College, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen to nominate her for this acclaimed accolade.
Professor Haites said: "Susan's application to study medicine as a mature student at this University in 2005 was accepted and she has since gone on to become one of the most hardworking and successful students we have ever had. In addition to an impressive list of academic achievements, Susan is the mother of two young school age children and is commuting by train every week day from Elgin so that she can return to her family in the evenings. Despite this, she has set up a Clinical Skills study group with her fellow students and is a very popular member of her year.
"At 40, Mrs Macfadyen is undertaking a completely new career accompanied by enormous personal challenges, at an age when most people are happy to take life more easily, and not only that, she is making a phenomenal success of it."
A final year student in French – Hispanic studies, Lynsey Hamilton's outstanding academic achievements and keen interest in extra curricular departmental activities were commended by Professor Teresa Vilarós Soler, Chair in Hispanic Studies & Modern Thought, University of Aberdeen, who nominated Lynsey for the Quincentenary award.
Professor Vilarós Soler said: "Lynsey is one of the most promising undergraduate Hispanists in her cohort. Her work has consistently reached the highest standards in both language studies and her study of Hispanic cultures, and has several Honours papers at the highest possible first-class level. Lynsey contributes fully to Departmental life, and is an unfailingly courteous and engaging presence. She regularly attends Hispanic Studies' visiting lectures, and has played a key role in the flourishing student-run Hispanic Society."
Currently in his final year studying Medicinal Chemistry Jamie Kerr has won the Quincentenary prize in recognition of his commendable application to his studies. He recently took part in a research project placement at the Australian National University, returning to Aberdeen earlier this month.
Professor Corrie Imrie, Head of School, Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen who nominated Jamie for this award said: "Jamie's overall academic record is the best seen In Chemistry for a number of years. His research project placement in Australia resulted from his own initiative in seeking out an interesting research project. Jamie is a splendid example of a local student who has done well, and he is fully deserving of the Quincentenary award."