Chris renews himself as student of the year

Chris MacDonald, who lives in Ranish, Isle of Lewis, with his wife, Mairi, and four-year-old son, Ruairidh, is due to graduate with distinction after a final year of study in which he achieved A grades in each of eight modules undertaken. He now hopes to pursue a new career in engineering. 

Ian Mackenzie, engineering section head at the college, said: "Chris gave up full-time employment at the age of 39 to take up a place on a full-time programme culminating in the award of BSc engineering: renewable energy, with distinction.

"During his studies, he continued to work part-time to support his family while excelling in all aspects of his course. His achievements are all the more remarkable given that he had no engineering background prior to enrolling on the course.

"Chris also took a leading role in the college’s contribution to the first Western Isles science festival in March and arranged for students to produce a variety of exhibits demonstrating basic science principles to the public."

Chris – who developed an innovative system to evaluate the thermal behaviour of new building materials as his major course project – wins £100 as the Lews Castle College UHI student of the year, and now goes through as a candidate for the overall UHI winner due to be announced in August.

Described as a good role model to other students, particularly his younger colleagues, Chris said: "I was surprised and humbled to be nominated for the student of the year award, but I am absolutely delighted that I have won. The development in the range of courses offered by the college over the years has meant that many more people have been able to gain excellent qualifications without leaving home, and I was fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of the first engineering degree on offer.

"I cannot praise the lecturing and support staff enough for the help and support they give all their students throughout the year, and can heartily recommend a return to higher education regardless of age."

College principal David Green commented: "Chris is a worthy winner of our student of the year award, and will be a strong contender for the overall UHI title. We are very proud of him."

Chris’s invaluable experience as a UHI student is soon to be of further benefit to the college as he is one of several new members of the board of management following a public advertisement and appointment process.