Students receive awards in memory of popular lecturer

Two talented Furness College higher education students have received special awards in honour of a former member of staff.

Mathew Robson and Cory Griffiths were both presented with Frank Cairns awards in recognition of their contribution to college and commitment to academic achievement.

Frank, who died in 2019, was a popular lecturer at the Channelside campus and one of the longest-serving employees. Described as having a huge passion for education, he started in 1985 and has lectured on both technical engineering and construction courses.

Mathew received the Frank Cairns Award for Outstanding Commitment in Technical Engineering while Cory received the Frank Cairns Award for Outstanding Commitment in Construction. Both received cheques for £500.

Mathew, 30, who achieved a first-class Honours degree in electronic and electrical engineering from the University of Lancaster, said he was delighted to win the award.

“This award means a lot because I was taught by Frank, he was well respected, a great teacher and a true character,” he said.

“I started here as a motor vehicle mechanic about 12 years ago, then I did the bridging course in mechanical before moving into electrical.”

Since graduating, Mathew has moved from the defence industry into a role at leading energy engineering company NanoSUN in Lancaster as a senior EC&I engineer and said his course had given him the confidence to take on new projects as well as the skills to learn quickly in his new role.

“I get married in December and I’ll be putting the money towards something for my wedding, maybe a wedding casino,” he said.

Meanwhile 20-year-old Cory, a groundworker at Hughes Brothers in Barrow successfully achieved his HNC in Construction at the Channelside campus. He did a brickwork course after school and completed an apprenticeship in groundwork through college.

“The HNC was a lot of work and a big difference for me with writing assignments but I liked the challenge and it was fun,” he said.

“Construction has always been my passion since I was a kid and I’m really happy to win this award to be honest and a bit proud of myself and what I have accomplished.”

He has just taken out a loan for a car and plans to spend some of his award money on paying it off.

Furness College’s Director of Curriculum, 14-19 and Higher Level Learning Kate Colebourn, who presented the awards, said they were both very worthy recipients.

“The path these students have taken through education and their commitment to keep learning and improve their skills would make Frank very proud.

“He saw the potential in so many students and gave them encouragement to continue learning and bettering themselves.”

Photo caption Cory Griffiths (left) and Mathew Robson (right) receive their Frank Cairns Award trophies and a cheque for £500 from Furness College’s Director of Curriculum, 14-19 and Higher Level Learning Kate Colebourn.