Two Hall students awarded Simonian Prizes for Excellence in Leadership

15 Oct 2024

St Edmund Hall is delighted to announce this year’s winners of the Simon, Arpi, Marie & John Simonian Prize for Excellence in Leadership: Frances Hand (2022, DPhil Law) and Alyssa Chan (2021, MEng Engineering Science). The prize is awarded to Hall students who have demonstrated significant leadership qualities during their time at the Hall in any area, including contributions to the fields of sport, charity work, journalism, theatre/drama, music and academic leadership amongst others.

Frances Hand
Frances Hand
Alyssa Chan
Alyssa Chan

Frances is recognised for her leadership in sport, in particular her vice-captaincy of the Hall’s rowing team and the significant impact she has made in fostering an inclusive community for the rowing club as a whole. Additionally, she has served as the College Representative for the charity It Happens Here and convenor of the Medical Law and Ethics Discussion Group. On receiving the award, Frances writes:

It means the world to me to receive this recognition. This award is a public reminder, to others, but more importantly to myself, that the kind of leader that people thrive alongside is someone who is tenacious, inclusive and, above all, kind. My time at Teddy Hall has been a true lesson in extending the boundaries of what I believed I was capable of, and what opportunities I believed were available to me. From formulating strategic athlete programmes for our rowing team, to organising multiple conferences with academics and students from all over the world, I have been able to develop as an academic, athlete and leader.

Alyssa has received the award in recognition of her role as an Organ Scholar and her significant contribution to the St Edmund Hall Choir. She has provided tremendous support to guest choir directors and fellow choir members, led rehearsals, conducted services and acted as a key point of communication between staff and the Choir. Alyssa comments:

It is a privilege to be awarded this prize, celebrating the bettering of our community; thank you to the Teddy Choir for nominating me and being such a supportive environment.

The award is given annually and is open to both undergraduates and postgraduates. It is one of nearly 150 scholarships, awards and prizes given each year by the Hall – find out more on our Scholarships and Prizes page.

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