Well done Julie, Cardonald is so proud of you!
25 May 2012
Former Cardonald student Julie McElroy has been awarded the ‘Learning Partnership's Adult Learner of the Year Award' at a prestigious award ceremony at the Royal Highland Centre Ingliston, Edinburgh on 17 May.
Julie, who has cerebral palsy and is deaf in both ears, is currently studying for a PhD in assistive technologies at the University of the West of Scotland was one of eight winners at this year's Scottish Adult Learning Partnership Awards.
The 26-year-old has never used her disability as a barrier, but as motivator in achieving both personal and academic goals. Her goal was to achieve a 2.1 degree, but she also went on to gain the University of the West of Scotland's Court medal for the top student within her degree programme and is now studying for a PhD with a focus on embedding assistive technolgy in education.
Matt Moir of the University's Lifelong Learning Academy, who nominated Julie for the prestigious award, said: "Julie is a truly exceptional student and we are delighted that she has won the Adult Learner of the Year Award. Julie is such a positive, proactive and determined individual, so is a very deserving recipient of this award."
Proud Julie commented: "I truly don't know what to say or how to feel about this award. This recognition is very different from all my achievements to date and I hope that my success will inspire other people with disabilities to achieve their full potential."
She continued: "My learning journey or the prevail of learning should I say has been a challenging experience coming from special needs to mainstream, as well as juggling my personal barriers in life. Education is my route to success and I want to thank Cardonald College Glasgow for all their help on my learning journey."
Furthermore, Julie has also been selected to carry the Olympic Torch through the Glasgow city centre to celebrate the 2012 London Olympics on Friday 8 June 2012.
Julie McElroy with Vice Principal Eleanor Harris, Vice Principal Janet Thomson and Lecturer Nancy Birney at Cardonald College Glasgow.
