Top award for engineering graduate

University of South Wales graduate Tom Burgess has been honoured with a top award from a professional body.

Having completed a part-time degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tom was presented with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Frederic Barnes Waldron Best Student Award by Dr Paul Davies, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at USW.

Dr Meinwen Taylor, Course Leader for Mechanical Engineering, said: “The university recommended to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers that Tom receive the award, highlighting Tom’s excellent attitude to his studies, his excellent attendance, and the way he engaged in class - he is curious and questioning, an excellent quality in both students and engineers.

“He showed great tenacity and a highly professional approach to his final-year, achieving his end goal of an outstanding industrial-based project.

“His work in written and other forms was outstanding and this is reflected in his results, having an overall average of over 80%. An excellent student and a well deserving recipient of the Frederic Barnes Waldron Best Student Award.”

Dr Davies added: “Tom’s academic performance cannot be questioned, which is to be commended, but this award is as much about his attitude as his marks. He has exemplified everything that USW is about - having a professional approach to his studies in the same way that you would to a job, committing to something and seeing it through to the end, being responsive and always meeting that challenge, and being creative and innovative in finding solutions to problems.”

Tom, who now works for BAE Systems, said: “I have really enjoyed my studies at USW, and I’d like to say thank you very much to all the staff for their support, dedication, and encouragement over the past four years. The unwavering support has been instrumental in the completion of my degree.”