Debbie Hill Award for the Exceptional Support of Students
This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their support of students, inspiring them with their passion and commitment.
Alex Campbell
Alex Campbell (Law, 1997) was one of a handful of alumni who volunteered their time to become a mentor as part of the University's pilot scheme back in 2009. Since then, he has mentored almost continuously on the scheme, providing advice and guidance to 11 students over the years. His recent mentee, Ruby, gave exceptional feedback regarding Alex’s support, commenting that she believed Alex’s expertise during the scheme was a significant help in securing her a training contract. Alex has also volunteered his time to take part in the eXepert programme, as well as giving support and careers advice as a speaker at careers talks.
“Being nominated is excellent news and much appreciated! It has been my pleasure helping students over the years and giving something back to the university.”
Kathleen Lund
Kathleen Lund (PhD Politics, 2005) has been a key contributor to the mock interview programme on campus since 2014. She goes above and beyond for students, providing excellent feedback and passing on CV advice to those unable to make face-to-face appointments. Kathleen is flexible, provides constructive feedback regarding the programme, and offers extra support to students. In 2017, Kathleen took on the role of a Career Mentor, showing her continued commitment to supporting the career development of students. She has also shown particular care in developing the confidence of international students by providing additional support and signposting.
“I am amazed and delighted to have been nominated for the award… If I have helped them [students] in any way, I am grateful.”
Natasha Bellinger
Since 2013, Natasha Bellinger (LLB Law, 2011) has consistently provided voluntary support for Employability & Widening Participation outreach initiatives. She has continued to inspire and support UG students on the mentoring programme since 2016, as well as other Employability initiatives such as delivering careers talks, and chairing an employability focus group. Natasha has been instrumental in supporting ‘Pathways to Law’ since its inception in 2013 and has designed and delivered over 20 inspirational and informative sessions, always ensuring student enjoyment and success, and consistently receiving fantastic feedback. Natasha has also written several online activities aimed at Exeter Scholars students, as part of a series of ‘Raising Attainment’ activities.
“I am honoured, delighted and quite taken aback to be shortlisted.”
Chris Filsell
Chris Filsell (BA English, 2016) has enthusiastically supported the student media society, XTV, since graduating. He has offered support with CVs, as well as giving a careers talk about breaking into the television industry. Chris has acted as a hotline for any queries for the society throughout the year, making himself available at short notice when needed. Despite his own work commitments, he helped the society with their National Student Television Awards application with last minute advice, spending time guiding them through the process. Chris optimises the values of XTV and continues to dedicate a lot of time to supporting the society, even though he graduated two years ago.
“This is great news! I am honoured and flattered!”
Doug Wass
Since 2016, Doug Wass (Law, 1997) has generously given his time to deliver high quality mock interviews to 17 law students, providing invaluable, sometimes life-changing feedback to budding solicitors. Mock interviews with law firm partners are one of the most beneficial alumni volunteering activities in this field, directly impacting and improving a student's chances of success in a competitive jobs market. His commitment to the mock interview initiative and helping Law students, is appreciated greatly by the social sciences employability team and their students, with students finding his warmth and passion for them to do well inspiring.
“I very much enjoy contributing to the mock interview programme and I am delighted that it has been helpful and to have been nominated for this Award.”
