18 June 2004

Wimberley Winner 2004

A Polish student who graduates from the University of Dundee this summer with an upper second-class honours degree has won the Wimberley Award, made annually to a student who has made an extraordinary contribution to the University. Jadwiga Koprowska has won the award in recognition of her valuable input to the life of the University, most notably her work with the Students' Association and the Department of Contemporary & European Studies (CES).

She was nominated for the award after displaying exceptional commitment in encouraging international students at the University to become fully involved in the 'university life'. As well as organising social events while being Class Representative for CES, she has helped to set up and integrate the Hispanic Society within the Students' Association, a valuable social and academic link between incoming Spanish students and Dundee students taking Spanish as a foreign language.

In her four years of study, Jadwiga made an enormous contribution to Dundee University Student Union (DUSA) first as a Student Council member then in her final year going on to become Vice-President of Representation where she worked hard to ensure that all students benefited from everything the University has to offer. In her third year she travelled to Spain to study at the University of Burgos where she developed her skills in Spanish language and culture and enhanced her understanding of the experiences international students face while studying abroad.

After graduating Jadwiga is taking up the sabbatical post of Vice President of Education and Careers at DUSA in August this year. This is a new post that aims to help enhance students' experience while at University and make sure students are best equipped when they leave full-time study to find employment.

She says "I am surprised but delighted to receive the Wimberley Award. I have enjoyed my time at University and now look forward to taking up my new post. I hope to encourage staff and students to work together to make sure students get the most from their time at University."