27 January 2010 - University of Bradford Student Wins Xcel Business & Commerce Student of the Year
Fizza Ilyas, a student at Bradford University School of Management, was declared the overall Xcel Business & Commerce Student of the Year at an awards ceremony hosted by Konnie Huq in London on Thursday (21st January 2010).
She received her trophy from Suzanne Harley of Lloyds Banking Group, the award sponsor, in front of an invited audience of over 350 at London's Tower Hotel. She and the other 18 winners were then serenaded by Jaya, singing her current hit `DJ Do It Again'.
Fizza is appropriately completing a BSc in Business and Commerce at the university and wants to go on and become a secondary school teacher.
This award is the latest of her achievements; having previously been a Member of the Youth Parliament when she organised a skate-park as well as a peace walk. A Student Advocate since her first year at university, Fizza has also been a classroom educator in summer `Space Camps', worked with children excluded from school and received an Active Citizen Award.
The University are delighted that one of their own students has demonstrated so clearly, the opportunities for success provided by going on to study in higher education.
Quotes:
"A truly inspiring story of persistence paying off. Fizza shows that
committing time, effort and determination is its own reward, but also
leads to success" Paul Weller, chair of judging, Xcel awards scheme.
"If Fizza is the calibre of those now seeking to become teachers, then
as a parent myself, I am confident our schools will become even
better." Luke Turnell, Director of organisers, SR Media.
"What is so impressive about Fizza is that she makes the same
commitment to all that she does, not just her academic pursuits." Andre
Dixon, Xcel Awards Manager.
Pictures available, remote or `phone interviews can be organised by arrangement.
(contact: Emily Crane tel: 0207 401 7333; e:emilyc@srmedia.net)
Past winner Alex Rose's story can be viewed (along with the other past award winners) at:
www.xcelawards.com/meet-the-winners08.htm
Xcel was founded 4 years ago to encourage widening participation among women, multi-ethnic groups and the disabled. The Xcel Student of the Year awards are an annual attempt to celebrate the successes of students in these groups, in order to inspire and encourage 16-19 year olds.