STUDENTS at Teesside University have picked the teaching and support staff they feel have made the most exceptional contribution in 2014/15 at the second annual STAR Awards.

The event, run by Teesside University Students’ Union, sees all students able to nominate staff in eight different categories.

The nominations are then cut down to a shortlist by a panel from the Students’ Union who choose a winner.

Winners were presented with their awards in front of an audience which included senior management and staff from the university, plus the students who had submitted nominations.

Samantha Gooneratne, a senior lecturer in chemical engineering won the outstanding teaching accolade following a string of nominations from grateful students while Elaine Fryett, a senior lecturer in business won the SU On Tour Student Voice award in recognition of her commitment to listening to and acting on feedback from her students.

Fred Hutchinson, a senior lecturer in accounting, won the 21st Century Teaching Award celebrating his efforts to be an innovative and modern teacher. Mark Freary, who lectures in technology enhanced learning, collected the Fantastic Feedback Award for his efforts to provide students with timely and detailed feedback on their work.

Paul Bailey, a senior lecturer in journalism at the university, secured the promoting employability title in recognition of his efforts to help students improve their chances of gaining work in the often very competitive media industry.

Meanwhile Callum Anderson, a sports development officer with the university’s sport and wellbeing team, won the Unsung Hero Support Staff Award with many students nominating him in recognition of his exceptional efforts.

Students were also given the chance to choose a member of Students’ Union staff they felt had provided exceptional support and service with Student Activities Manager Chris Walton proving a popular recipient. Stephen Murray, a senior lecturer in multimedia, won Most Inspirational Staff Member.