Hospitality A
student
presented with
‘Future Leader’
award from
Apex Hotels
founder
HOSPITALITY STUDENT FROM Queen Margaret University (QMU)
has been presented with a prestigious award from contemporary
hotel group, Apex Hotels.
Mary Kelly, a retired firearms officer and student on the BA (Hons) International
Hospitality and Tourism Management course, has been awarded the prestigious
Dr Norman Springford Future Leader Award, which carries with it a £3,000 cash
prize that can be used as a bursary or towards funding postgraduate study at
QMU. She was presented with the award in November 2019, after delivering
an impressive presentation to Apex’s senior management team on the need
for the hospitality industry to have a multi-skilled workforce.
Mary, who entered the BA (Hons) course in third year after completing an
HND at City of Glasgow College - having previously served on the police
force for 30 years - welcomed the prize, saying that “[It] will show prospective
employers the passion and commitment I have for my second career in the
hospitality industry.”
Apex Hotels also award scholarships to students on QMU’s BA (Hons)
International Hospitality and Tourism Management and BA (Hons) Events
Management pathways. These include a £1,000 bursary to help alleviate some
of the financial pressures associated with studies, in addition to a three-month
paid internship with the Apex Hotels group. The internship provides students
with the opportunity to gain relevant work experience across a variety of
departments such as housekeeping, reception and food and drink, as well as
in head office disciplines such as finance, marketing and sales.
As a recipient of the scholarship herself, Mary made such a positive impression
whilst on placement that she was offered a part-time position at the group’s
Glasgow-based hotel. She hopes to move on to a management role once she
has completed her degree.
To date, QMU has received over £30,000 from Apex Hotels for student
support. Dr Norman Springford, founder of Apex Hotels and honorary QMU
graduate, said: “It’s a real pleasure to present this award to Mary. We were so
impressed with her presentation, and her passion for the hospitality industry
is clear to see.” ❒
QMYOU / Supporting Student Development
27