QMYOU Alumni Magazine QMYOU 87 Issue 11 | Page 27

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