This prestigious award was newly-created for 2016 and is named after Alan Jenkins, our Managing Director who sadly passed away in 2015.

It is a tribute to the values that he held dear, and is to be awarded every year to the graduate we believe has the most inspirational study experience story.

The prize-winner may have struggled through difficult personal circumstances to complete their course, or they might have been able to use their degree to change their working life and climb the career ladder – either way, this is about recognising the student that we feel most embodies our values, and whose story can motivate and inspire both current and future students.

This year, we chose to award this prize to MBA graduate Aisha Legge, who inspired everyone on the judging panel with her determination and dedication to study, despite many personal and professional obstacles.

On behalf of everyone at University of Essex Online, we’d like to offer our congratulations to Aisha again!