2 days ago

Two outstanding students have been awarded for their academic achievements at University of the West of Scotland’s summer graduations this week.
Amy Bowers and Stephen Cardwell have been recognised for their significant commitment and contribution during their studies at the University.
Amy, from Royston in Glasgow, has graduated with a BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing and received the Amundsen Trophy, which recognises a student who has overcome significant adversity during their studies but has managed to successfully continue with their programme.
During Amy’s time at UWS, she has been caring for her mother who has regularly been in hospital, while at the same time dealing with the sudden death of her brother. Amy’s programme leader called Amy an “inspiration to other students”. Amy now works as a Community Addictions Nurse within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Commenting on winning the Amundsen Trophy, Amy said: “I’m truly honoured and grateful to have received this special award. The recognition means a great deal to me, as it reflects the hard work, dedication, resilience, and commitment I’ve put into my studies and personal growth. I sincerely thank my lecturers, especially my personal tutor, peers, and support network who have been in my corner, supporting me through the toughest and most challenging period of life. I would not have been able to cope with the pressures of university and life, if it wasn’t for this support throughout. This recognition means so much and motivates me to continue to keep striving for excellence, no matter the challenges.”
I sincerely thank my lecturers, especially my personal tutor, peers, and support network who have been in my corner, supporting me through the toughest and most challenging period of life. I would not have been able to cope with the pressures of university and life, if it wasn’t for this support throughout.
UWS graduate and Amundsen prize-winner, Amy Bowers

Julie Edgar, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, said: “We are extremely proud of Amy’s achievements. Despite the challenges she encountered during her studies, she remained fully committed to her degree, and it’s truly wonderful to see her graduate today.”
Stephen Cardwell, from East Kilbride, has graduated with a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, and was awarded the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering, which was established in 2013 by retired Lanarkshire-born businessman and UWS alumnus and Honorary Doctor, Dr Les Hutchison. The award recognises the best performing undergraduate engineering student graduating from the University's School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences.
On being recognised with the award, Stephen, who now works as a graduate Civil Engineer at Scottish Water, said: “I’m delighted to be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with first-class honours and it has been made even more special being recognised with the Les Hutchison Award. None of this would have been possible without the firm support of the lecturers at UWS and their commitment to a comprehensive education, covering theoretical knowledge and technical skills required for a capable engineer. My journey at UWS has been deeply personal as it has allowed me to change discipline, with my recent move from an Analytical Chemist to a Civil Engineer. I am very grateful for the support of my tutors and am proud of the work I have produced. I hope this expresses how much my time at UWS has meant to me and what the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering would allow me to yet achieve.”
My journey at UWS has been deeply personal as it has allowed me to change discipline, with my recent move from an Analytical Chemist to a Civil Engineer. I am very grateful for the support of my tutors and am proud of the work I have produced. I hope this expresses how much my time at UWS has meant to me.
UWS graduate and Les Hutchison prize-winner, Stephen Cardwell
Professor Gordon Morison, Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: “Stephen has been a fantastic student throughout his studies, including being recognised with best dissertation and performing exceptionally across all of his assignments. Stephen has a keen interest in continuing to produce Civil Engineering research and so we look forward to seeing Stephen thrive in his future endeavours.”
