Coleraine students hailedfor academic successes

Suzanne McGahon won the Suki Tea Food Policy Award for registering the highest mark in her final module, as well as the Consumer Council (NI) Award in recognition of her excellent performance for her final year project.

Una Mackle, also from Coleraine and a graduate in BSc (Hons) Consumer Studies claimed a Food Innovation Award.

Una (second right) and Suzanne (second left) are pictured receiving their awards from Professor Una McMahon-Beattie (centre), Philippa McKeown, Consumer Council (NI) and Oscar Wooley, Suki Tea.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Professor Una McMahon-Beattie, Head of Department, said, “In conjunction with our industry partners, the Department of Hospitality and tourism Management is delighted to celebrate the excellence of our students.

“With the current growth in the local and international agri-food, hospitality and tourism sectors our graduates are well equipped to take on the challenges of managing and leading in these competitive market environments.”

Philippa McKeown, Head of Policy (Consumer Skills) said:“This will be the fifteenth year the Consumer Council have sponsored this award, which gives students a greater understanding of the issues facing consumers in today’s complex and fast-paced marketplace.

“We wish Suzanne; who is now training to become a teacher, every success in her career and hope she will share her passion and knowledge of consumer issues with pupils so they become smarter shoppers of the future.”

A total of 7 major awards were presented: Sponsors included Origin Digital, Consumer Council (NI), Da Vinci, Henderson Group, Dunbia, Doherty and Gray, Queally Culinary Food Group, Moy Park, Oscar Mayer, Hastings Hotels, CIMA and Suki Tea.