Leanne Demay

Moray College UHI Student of the Year and University of the Highlands and Islands Student of the Year

Course: BA (Hons) Archaeology

Leanne Demay from Spey Bay in Moray was named as the 2015 University of the Highlands and Islands Student of the Year at the university’s Foundation Day ceremony in November 2015. She was praised for her positive attitude and academic achievement, securing a first-class honours degree in archaeology at Moray College UHI while bringing up a family, working at Elgin Museum and volunteering on excavations around the Highlands and Islands.

Leanne said: “The unique learning experience offered by the University of the Highlands and Islands enabled me to study a subject which would normally have been out of my reach due to work and family commitments. The cooperation between partnering colleges gives huge opportunities to remote students and the video conferencing, online chats and Facebook pages create a special support community between lecturers and students. I would like to say a huge thank you to my lecturers, friends and family for the amazing support they offered me throughout my studies. It was hard work, but I loved every minute and I am absolutely delighted and humbled to receive the Student of the Year award.”