Beth Murray

Orkney College UHI Student of the Year

Course:  BA (Hons) Archaeology

Beth Murray from Keighley, West Yorkshire, is starting her fourth year, in 2015, of a BA (Hons) in archaeology with the University of the Highlands and Islands at Orkney College UHI. She was praised for her passion and enthusiasm for her subject; becoming involved in a range of community groups, extra training and voluntary work on top of her academic studies.

Beth was nominated for the award by her tutor and lecturer, Dr Annalisa Christie. Dr Christie explained: “Throughout her degree, Beth has done a substantial amount of extra volunteer work and participated in avocational training, largely from her own pocket and in her own time. While participating on these courses, she has been an invaluable asset - helping staff with set up and dismantling, actively engaging with discussions, helping others who didn’t think they’d be able to complete the course to do so and generally bringing a smile to everyone’s face through her kindness and unassuming nature. Her enthusiasm and excitement about all things maritime and archaeological is clear to anyone who meets her and her passion is contagious and inspirational.”

Speaking about her award, Beth said: “I was very surprised to be nominated for this award and I am enormously proud of this achievement. I would not have been able to achieve this without the opportunities provided by the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute. The Institute has supported and encouraged me throughout my degree alongside the constant support of my friends and family.”

 

Dr Bill Ross, principal of Orkney College UHI, said: “I am delighted that Beth chose to come and study archaeology in Orkney. Successful student achievement comes from effective partnership working between learners and tutors and from fully engaging with their chosen area of study. Beth has given an enormous amount back to her course, her peers and archaeology in Orkney so this is a prize well deserved.”