People of CAHSS Awards 2024

Last week, we celebrated our campus and School community alongside colleagues from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS).

CAHSS 24 — Holyrood Learning Technology Team

The People of CAHSS Awards allows colleagues to recognise the hard work of their peers as they express their gratitude and celebrate one another. We had a record number of nominations this year, highlighting the strong sense of community throughout Moray House School of Education and Sport and across Holyrood Campus. This year, we had winners in seven out of nine categories, a true testament to the commitment that runs through our community, and we are very proud!

This year’s winners:

The Advancing Inclusion Award

Paul Nisbet

Rachel O'Neill

The Pillar of the Community Award

Alex McKay

The Unsung Hero Award

Dr Jingyi Li

The Excellence in Teamwork Award

Holyrood Learning Technology Team, Holyrood Professional Services

The Excellence in Leadership Award

Dr Omar Kaissi

The Community Impact Award

Dr Colin Brough

Catriona Regan

The Inspiring Colleague Award

Dr Courtney Stafford-Walter

A few of our winners shared some heartfelt words about what it has meant to them to be recognised in this way:

"After quite a challenging year, it is really wonderful to be recognised by my amazing MSc Education team. I enjoyed reading the nominations, which were lovely and heartfelt, and it is so nice to feel appreciated by my hardworking colleagues!"

- Dr Courtney Stafford-Walter, Winner of the Inspiring Colleague Award

"I was delighted to receive "The Excellence in Leadership" Award. I am grateful to all the colleagues who nominated me and for being part of a team whose values and practices are rooted in the pursuit of teaching and learning excellence and the service of our students. The award has heightened my sense of professional duty and responsibility. It has centralised and deepened my appreciation for the importance of collaborative teamwork, constructive listening, compassionate management and care in doing educational leadership."

- Omar Kaissi, Winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award

"Receiving the nominations was a fantastic lift. Reflecting on the thought that colleagues took the time to send comments and recommendations about me was both touching and empowering. Receiving the award made me think about the community that I belong to.

This award is a testimony to the MA Physical Education Peer Support system, EdBudds. They are the epitome of community, supporting one another and raising funds for good causes. Their system has become the model for peer support and has already spawned SportBudds. "

- Dr Colin Brough, Winner of the Community Impact Award

"I was delighted to have won a Community Impact Award for the Career Ready Mentoring Project. The project itself was incredibly rewarding, but being recognised for it was extra special.

This award isn't just mine; it also belongs to my colleagues around the college who helped make my mentee's internship exceptional with their generosity of time and support. Preston still talks about many of them.

The ceremony was lovely, and it was heartening to hear about all the good work happening in CAHSS!"

- Cat Regan, Winner of the Community Impact Award

The ceremony took place in the beautiful surroundings of McEwan Hall, where we had a lovely afternoon celebrating each other as we met with colleagues from across the College.

Thank you to all involved in this joyous occasion.

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