VU College Awards 2008

The VU College Award winners for 2008 were announced at a gala afternoon tea on June 26. 43 staff were acknowledged for their Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning. The winners were the Student Rovers Team, The Concurrent Assistance Team, Majella Grainger, Kelley Doyle and Fiona Graham.

PVC Teaching & Learning Belinda McLennan with award winner Kelley Doyle

Kelley Doyle – School of Youth VCE and Community Education

Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

Kelley has successfully influenced student learning and engagement through developing a comprehensive welfare service for students in the Youth Transitions Unit. Kelley’s service supported the health and wellbeing of students allowing them to remain connected to and focused on their education. This service, which also promoted language and academic skills, has had a positive impact on attendance and participation in class. Kelley, who has worked in the youth education sector for more than 20 years, has gained considerable recognition both within VU and the broader community for her welfare service program. It is programs like Kelley’s and her dedication in implementing it that enable our students to fulfil their goals and develop a passion for learning.

PVC Teaching & Learning Belinda McLennan with award winner Majella Grainger

Majella Grainger – School of General Education

Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

Horticulture teacher Majella Grainger has been largely responsible for the growth and development of the Victoria University Community Garden Program. The work done by students in the garden complements and strengthens their learning which occurs in the classroom. By working in a simulated work environment Majella’s students are able to develop great skills that stand them in good stead for future employment or further study. Majella’s work with the garden exemplifies the Universities commitment to building relationships within the Melbourne’s western region. She has fostered strong links within the local community gaining sponsorship and support from both businesses and other organisations.

PVC Teaching & Learning Belinda McLennan with award winner Fiona Graham

Fiona Graham – School of English Language and Preparatory Programs

Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

Fiona lives and works Victoria University’s values through her ongoing pursuit of excellence, her constant consideration of the needs of our diverse student population and her commitment to bettering lives through education. Her work with students from the Horn of Africa, who have suffered severe interruption to their education, has highlighted her willingness to learn new methods to adapt to the needs of students.  She has been instrumental in the development of teaching resources and placement tests to ensure students the most appropriate placement and best opportunity of success. Fiona’s teaching methods engage and empower students enhancing their ability to think critically and apply their skills and knowledge. Many of her students have progressed onto Higher Education or employment both at VU and in the community – through this provision of pathways she has exemplified the ethos of the VU College.

Concurrent Assistance Team with the Dean of the VU College Susan Young

Concurrent Assistance Team – School of Learning Support Services

Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

The Concurrent Assistance team were acknowledged with an award for their dedication to positively influencing student learning and engagement at Victoria University. The team are strongly committed to assisting students to overcome immediate study difficulties whilst simultaneously building their capacity to become successful, independent learners. The award-winning team members were, Tammy Barker, Belinda Bold. Cathy Bushell, Simone Costello, David Holland, Syed Javed, Maree Jones, Bruno Lettieri, Daryl Pellizzer, Brendan Power, Ann Randles, Peter Rechner, Berne Renehan and the Head of Concurrent Assistance Phillip Moore.

Susan Young, Dean of the VU College, with some of the award-winning student rovers.

Student Rovers Team – School of Learning Support Services

Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

Under the direction of Dr Rob McCormack the team of Student Rovers offer mentoring and one-on-one support to students at Victoria University. The Rovers help students with tasks such as logging onto the computer, using email, finding books and resources in the library. They also share their knowledge around basic learning skills and help students navigate their way through the complexities of University life. The Rovers are hugely popular with the students and over the past two semesters fielded 4433 student queries. The award winning team members are; Cynthia Benazir Islam, Daniel Vrbanac, Dinithi Dassanayake, Khadra Hersi, Richard Ming Li, Melissa Cameron, Scott Macgregor, Sharifa Mohammed, Shereen el Ali, Dominika Greinert, Fathia Elmi, Fatuma Hassan, Haifa Atatreh, Phillips Akech, Samira Fiqi, Tran Truong, Vickie Carli, Erin Carpenter, Mulki Said, Aaron Gerrard, Adriana Everett, Lorrianne Spiteri, Shane Olsen, Wendii Trieu, Elisabeth Dewi, Warren Flentje, Farzana Islam and Rob McCormack.

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