The winners of the 17th Annual Golden Roses Awards have been announced, recognising the staff and students who have made a meaningful contribution to the student experience over the past year.
More than 650 nominations were submitted by students, reflecting the breadth of support, teaching, and community-building taking place across the university. The awards, held each year, give students the opportunity to highlight those who have had a positive impact on their time at university.
This year's winners represent a wide range of roles and disciplines, from academic staff and professional services to student leaders and societies. Their nominations highlight consistent dedication, thoughtful support, and a commitment to helping students succeed.
Alongside the winners, a number of honourable mentions have also been recognised, acknowledging the many individuals and teams whose contributions stood out to the judging panel.
All winners and nominees are invited to come along to Lampworks on Thursday 30th April from 5pm-7pm to celebrate their achievements over pizza.
Supporting the Student Experience
WINNER: Tricia Leah Greenwood
Experiential Learning & Apprenticeship Educator at the School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
The judging panel was highly impressed by Tricia's exceptional commitment to supporting the student experience, particularly within the apprenticeship context. Her nomination highlighted the consistency, reliability, and personal care she brings to her role, always making time to provide clear, tailored support despite overseeing multiple apprentices. The panel recognised her proactive approach in bridging the gap between the university and employers, anticipating potential issues and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. By providing timely information, practical resources, and reassurance, Tricia significantly reduces pressure for apprentices, allowing them to focus on their learning. Her dedication, organisation, and genuine attentiveness exemplify outstanding student support and make her a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Leah Campbell
Safeguarding Manager, Student Services
The judging panel wished to give a special honourable mention to Leah Campbell for the exceptional care, professionalism, and compassion she brings to her role as Safeguarding Manager. The panel was deeply moved by the nomination, which highlighted Leah's ability to create a genuinely safe, trusting, and therapeutic space for students, even during periods of significant vulnerability. Her transparency, honesty, and patience stood out, particularly her willingness to communicate flexibly and adapt her approach so that every student feels heard, respected, and supported. We were especially impressed by Leah's consistent attention to detail, her reliability in prioritising student wellbeing, and the profound personal impact her support has had in helping students regain confidence, voice, and hope. Her work exemplifies the very highest standard of student support, and her recognition is richly deserved.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
WINNER: Bryan Dalgleish-Warburton
Senior Lecturer, Health, Social Work & Sport
The judging panel was unanimous in recognising Bryan as a highly deserving winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for his exceptional, thoughtful, and proactive commitment to inclusive education. The panel was particularly impressed by the way Bryan works in genuine partnership with a Deaf student to remove barriers to learning, adapting teaching methods in real time and redesigning activities to ensure full participation without ever making the student feel like an inconvenience. His willingness to caption or replace inaccessible materials, role-play content live, restructure group supervision, and provide regular one-to-one support demonstrates an outstanding level of care, flexibility, and pedagogical insight. Beyond individual adjustments, Bryan's leadership in promoting Deaf awareness within the cohort and engaging with professional bodies to influence wider practice highlights a sustained and meaningful commitment to systemic inclusion. The panel agreed that Bryan's actions exemplify EDI at its very best, transformative, collaborative, and embedded in everyday teaching practice, making a profound and lasting impact on the student experience.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Donna Finer
Senior Lecturer in Sexual Health, Nursing & Midwifery
The judging panel wished to give an honourable mention to Donna for her outstanding commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and student-centred support. The nomination highlighted Donna's consistent willingness to go above and beyond to support a student navigating significant and complex health challenges, both during their studies and throughout an extended period of absence. The panel was particularly impressed by her openness, non-judgemental approach, and proactive check-ins, as well as her readiness to provide tailored academic support, adjustments, and clear signposting to wider university services. Donna's passion for her subject areas, combined with her genuine care for students' wellbeing and confidence, has played a pivotal role in enabling continued engagement and renewed determination to succeed. Her support reflects the very best of inclusive practice within higher education and has had a lasting, positive impact on the student experience.
Academic Support Award
WINNER: Daniel Burkle
Senior Lecturer in Psycholinguistic, School of Psychology & Humanities
The panel recognised Daniel for the exceptional, individualised support he provides, which has had a clear and lasting impact on a student's ability to remain engaged and succeed at university. Based on the nomination, Daniel consistently goes above and beyond, offering patient, ongoing conversations that help students work through their thoughts, feel reassured, and leave with a clear plan of action. His guidance, signposting, and unwavering patience have directly contributed to improved confidence, attendance, and academic outcomes. The panel was particularly struck by the student's testimony that Daniel's support fundamentally shaped their university experience and played a decisive role in keeping them at university, making him richly deserving of recognition for academic support.
Outstanding Assessment & Feedback
WINNER: Anne Dewhurst
Lecturer in Health Psychology, School of Psychology & Humanities
Based on the nomination, Anne goes above and beyond to offer timely, encouraging, and constructive guidance, particularly during high-pressure periods such as dissertation work and core modules. Despite significant demands on her time, she routinely makes herself available to support not only her own supervisees but also other students who seek her help. The panel was especially struck by the strength of peer recognition within the nomination, reflecting the widespread impact of her feedback and support. Anne's commitment to student progress, clarity in guidance, and willingness to help others make her a highly deserving recipient of this award.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Sharon Crane
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, School of Health, Social Work & Sport
The judging panel wished to give a brief honourable mention to Sharon for her supportive and practical approach to assessment and feedback. Following an unsuccessful assignment, she took the time to meet with the student, clearly explain where improvements were needed, and provide concrete examples and resources to support understanding. The panel noted the value of Sharon's patience and clarity, ensuring the student not only knew what to change but fully understood how to improve, making a meaningful difference to their learning experience.
Postgraduate Support
WINNER: John Everett Marsh
Reader in Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology & Humanities
The panel recognised John as an outstanding source of postgraduate support whose care, commitment, and mentorship have had a profound impact on a student's academic journey. The nomination highlighted John's exceptional kindness and dedication while supporting a student through significant personal challenges, including serious illness and recovery from a road traffic accident, at critical stages of their postgraduate studies. Throughout this time, John provided consistent encouragement, guidance, and reassurance, helping to ensure continuity and confidence in the student's academic progression. His willingness to go beyond expected responsibilities, offer support outside office hours, and actively seek funding to develop the student's research and future opportunities was particularly noted. The panel agreed that John's knowledge, generosity, and genuine investment in student success make him a truly deserving recipient of recognition for postgraduate support.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Damian Harper
Lecturer in Coaching & Performance, School of Health, Social Work & Sport
The judging panel wished to give a brief honourable mention to Damian for the outstanding quality of supervision and feedback provided during doctoral study. The nomination highlighted the significant academic outcomes achieved through his prompt, constructive guidance, including multiple peer-reviewed publications, funding applications, and valuable external collaborations. His support has enabled high-impact research and the development of skills that will positively shape the student's future career.
Excellence in Employability
WINNER: Hollie Massey
Senior Lecturer in Sports & Exercise Psychology, School of Psychology & Humanities
Hollie wins this award for her outstanding commitment to preparing students for life beyond university through her leadership of the third-year project module. The nomination highlighted how she actively responded to student feedback, strengthened the curriculum with guest speakers from diverse career pathways, and embedded careers support to help students confidently navigate a highly competitive sector. The panel was particularly impressed by the tangible impact of her work, with students gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to secure employment before graduation. Hollie's clear dedication to employability and student futures made a meaningful and lasting difference, marking her as a highly deserving recipient of this award.
Student Voice Award
WINNER: Sam George
Lecturer in Clinical Skills, School of Medicine & Dentistry
Mr Sam George has consistently gone above and beyond his role, supporting and empowering students to make a positive impact through both school and societies. His dedication to student voice has been evident for years, and he is a thoroughly deserving candidate for this award.
Burnley Beacon
WINNER: Peter Oatley
Senior Lecturer in Medical Sciences, Medicine & Dentistry
The panel believe Peter deserves this award because he consistently fosters a warm, supportive, and approachable environment on the Burnley campus, helping students feel encouraged both academically and personally. Through initiatives such as organising gardening events and suggesting inclusive student activities, he has actively brought the campus community together and enriched the student experience. His genuine care for students has made a meaningful and lasting impact.
Westlakes Wonder
WINNER: Angela Lynch
Residences Officer (Summergrove), Student Services
Angela was nominated for her outstanding care to students at Summergrove Halls on the Westlakes campus. The judges were struck by her kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine compassion have helped students quickly build trust and strong bonds with her. For many international students in particular, Angela has shown exceptional empathy, patience, and understanding, making a significant difference to our wellbeing. She is truly deserving of the Westlakes Wonder award.
Lecturer of the Year
WINNER: Iain Simpson
Engineering & Computing
The judging panel was impressed by the outstanding contribution Iain has made in his first year of teaching. He consistently went above and beyond his role, ensuring every student fully understood complex material, making himself readily available outside of scheduled sessions, and creating engaging learning experiences through live demonstrations, interactive activities, and real-world examples in both Data Science and AI. Students highlighted his patience, enthusiasm, and genuine investment in their success, noting the confidence he inspires and the inclusive, supportive environment he creates, particularly for those new to studying in the UK. His professionalism, passion for teaching, and lasting positive impact on the student experience made him a clear and deserving choice for Lecturer of the Year.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Asia Ramzan
The panel also wished to give an honourable mention to Dr Asia Ramzan, whose nomination highlighted her rare ability to combine intellectual rigour with genuine kindness and deep personal investment in her students. We were particularly impressed by her inclusive, approachable teaching style, the constructive and confidence-building nature of her feedback, and the way she champions students' wider ambitions beyond the curriculum. Her quiet but profound impact on individual students and the wider culture of the School exemplifies the values these awards seek to recognise.
Course Team of the Year
WINNER: Masters in Research, Business
The judging panel was profoundly impressed by the MRes Team within the School of Business, whose nomination exemplifies excellence not only in academic delivery but in collective compassion and professionalism. The panel noted the team's consistently high academic standards, rigorous and engaging teaching, and outstanding quality of feedback, which empowered students to develop advanced research skills, confidence, and scholarly independence. What truly distinguished this team, however, was their shared ethos of care: every member demonstrated understanding, flexibility, and encouragement during periods of significant personal hardship, ensuring students felt supported holistically without compromising academic expectations. This consistency of support, delivered with humanity and integrity, fostered resilience and enabled success under exceptional circumstances. The panel agreed that the MRes Team embodies the very best of collaborative teaching practice and is a richly deserving recipient of Course Team of the Year.
University Service of the Year
WINNER: Enterprise & Engagement (Apprenticeship Matching Service)
This year's University Service of the Year demonstrate exceptional professionalism, organisation, and student-focused ethos. The team's collaborative approach, clear and timely communication, and strong coordination with students, employers, and academic colleagues ensure that learners are well supported at every stage of their journey. The panel particularly noted the team's proactive problem-solving and ability to anticipate and resolve issues efficiently, leading to positive outcomes for all parties involved. By creating an inclusive environment where students feel confident seeking guidance and understand employer expectations, the team embodies the university's commitment to employability, student success, and professional development, making them a highly deserving recipient of University Service of the Year.
School of the Year
WINNER: Medicine & Dentistry
The School of Medicine & Dentistry received an exceptional 250 nominations from students, demonstrating the strength of feeling and collective appreciation for the staff who make up this academic community. Such an overwhelming response reflects not only student engagement, but the deep trust and respect students place in those who support them throughout their studies.
Staff within the School of Medicine & Dentistry guide students through some of the most demanding, high-pressure, yet ultimately rewarding years of their lives. They consistently encourage academic excellence, professional development, and active participation, while fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Crucially, the school places student wellbeing at the heart of its approach. Staff are attentive, supportive, and proactive in recognising challenges, ensuring students feel seen, heard, and encouraged both academically and personally. Through building a strong, inclusive community and maintaining high standards of care and teaching, the School of Medicine & Dentistry provides an outstanding student experience and is a truly deserving candidate for School of the Year.
School Rep of the Year
WINNER: Sherin Mubarak
Medicine & Dentistry
Sherin received overwhelming support from students across the School of Medicine. She is consistently praised for her approachability, proactive leadership, and effectiveness in representing student voices. Her work has led to tangible improvements to the student experience, including advocacy around the Burnley Bus, placement travel reimbursements, and close collaboration with medical societies to support engagement and community-building. Sherin's dedication, persistence, and genuine care for students make her a highly deserving candidate for School Rep of the Year.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Safurah Hans
Psychology & Humanities
The panel wanted to give a special mention to Safurah, who is widely recognised by psychology students for her kindness, approachability, and unwavering commitment to student wellbeing. She consistently advocates for student voices, with a strong focus on mental health, and is often the first point of support for advice or guidance. Her resilience and leadership during challenging periods for the School, alongside her role in re-establishing the Psychology Society and bringing students together through events, make her a highly deserving recipient of an Honourable Mention.
SU Student Staff Member of the Year
WINNER: Himanshu Saraf
SU Community Organiser
Hima has received strong and consistent praise for his outstanding impact as a Community Organiser, demonstrating warmth, empathy, and reliability in everything he does. He has played a key role in building inclusive student communities, notably supporting the establishment of the Nepalese community and delivering well-attended Get-Togethers and cultural events that foster belonging and connection. Highly approachable and dependable, Hima consistently follows through on commitments, supports student-led initiatives, and prioritises joy and inclusion across both student and staff experiences. His impact is wide-reaching, despite his short time in role, making him a highly deserving candidate for SU Student Staff Member of the Year.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Tin Chak Yee
Students' Union Rep
Chak is recognised for his outstanding commitment to student leadership and community-building. As one of the first Students' Union Representatives and a third-year physiotherapy student, he has consistently fostered an inclusive, supportive environment, particularly for international and newly arrived students. Chak is widely praised for his collaborative approach, effective advocacy for student voices, and genuine passion for helping students feel welcomed, valued, and engaged. His positive impact extends well beyond his formal role, making him a very worthy recipient of an Honourable Mention.
Academic Society of the Year
WINNER: Paediatric Society
This academic society is recognised for its genuinely caring and committed committee, who have delivered an impressive year despite challenges with workload. They demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and strong leadership by organising impactful charity work for cancer and collaborating effectively with other societies to deliver successful conferences. Their dedication to academic enrichment, community engagement, and mutual support makes them a highly deserving candidate for Academic Society of the Year.
Society of the Year (Non-Academic)
WINNER: Musical Theatre Society
The panel felt that this society is recognised for its remarkable revival and continued growth following the disruption of the pandemic. After several years without full musical productions, the society has successfully delivered a musical for two consecutive years, alongside a winter showcase, demonstrating ambition, consistency, and clear improvement in quality and organisation.
Beyond performance, the society has created a deeply inclusive and welcoming community where members feel accepted, supported, and able to be themselves. Students consistently describe the society as a source of belonging, friendship, and joy, with a dedicated committee that nurtures both personal confidence and artistic development across all disciplines of musical theatre. The passion, resilience, and collective effort shown by both members and committee make this society truly deserving of Society of the Year.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Teddy Bear Hospital
Teddy Bear Hospital is recognised for its meaningful contribution to the community through impactful volunteering and fundraising. The society has delivered engaging outreach sessions for children across Preston and Westlakes and organised successful fundraising events in collaboration with charities and partners such as Alder Hey Children's Charity. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care have brought students and staff together for a common purpose, making them a very deserving recipient of an Honourable Mention.