'Double First' - Women in Physics scoop major Queen's Awards 
The annual First Trust Bank Queen’s University Graduate and Student of the Year Awards were presented at the evening Summer Graduation Ceremony on Friday 4 July. And in a unique ‘double first’ both winners are women and both studied Physics!
Top international businesswoman from the world of finance and listed in the Wall Street 50 for three consecutive years (2011-2013), Dr Anita Sands is this year’s First Trust Bank Queen’s University Graduate of the Year.
Anita, who now lives in New York, holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in atomic and molecular physics from Queen's. She is a former Fulbright Scholar, has a music qualification from London School of Music and was All-Ireland Public Speaking Champion in 1994.
Originally from just outside Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ms Sands joined the board of software company, Symantec Corp (based in Mountain View, CA) in October 2013. She previously served as Group Managing Director, Head of Change Leadership and a member of the Wealth Management Americas Executive Committee of UBS Financial Services. She joined UBS in October 2009 as a Transformation Consultant before becoming Chief Operating Officer, then Head of Change Leadership.
In 2007, when she was at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Anita was appointed as the youngest ever Senior Vice President in the history of the company.
Dr Sands has received numerous awards in recognition for her leadership, contribution to public service and efforts to empower women, including 2012 Women of Concern by Concern Worldwide and 2011 Most Influential Women by Irish Voice. She is a member of the International Women's Forum, a mentor for the W.O.M.E.N in America, and a previous board member of Women in Capital Markets.
Student winner
Clare Scullion is the winner of the First Trust Bank Queen’s University Student of the Year Award. From Ballygawley in Co Tyrone, she is currently undertaking a PhD in Physics, expecting to graduate for a second time from Queen’s in 2016.
An exemplary student, Clare is being recognised for her leadership within Queen’s Ladies Gaelic Football Club, for setting up “TanzaniAID” – a unique volunteering project using science to help some of the poorest young people in the world – and for her involvement in a Women In Physics Event at Queen’s, which addressed the lack of females in physics.
In support of TanzaniAID, Clare recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and took part in the Belfast Marathon, raising over £10,000 to fund and install solar panels in a school in Tanzania. And, as part of her 300 volunteer hours this year, she also supports undergraduate teaching by delivering weekly tutorials and workshops within her faculty to help younger Queen’s students.
The Graduate and Student of the Year Awards, now in their 14th year, were launched by the Queen’s Graduates’ Association (QGA) and the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office, with the support of First Trust Bank.
The Awards aim to recognise excellence, achievement or service by Queen’s alumni and students, either to the University or to the wider community. The student winner receives a trophy and £500 while the graduate winner receives a trophy.
In endorsing the Awards Des Moore, Head of First Trust Bank, said: “We've been supporting the Awards since their inception in 1999 and are very proud to be associated with such an important event in the Queen’s University calendar. Our endorsement of these Awards recognises and celebrates the achievements of Queen's students and graduates who make such an invaluable contribution to life in Northern Ireland and beyond. We have two exceptionally worthy winners in Anita and Clare this year.”
Catherine Vint, President of the QGA, believes that the Awards can add value and bring great benefits to those who are successful.
She said: “These prestigious Awards recognise passion and drive in individuals, qualities that help people succeed in life. As President of the Association I am particularly pleased that Anita and Clare – both of whom are strong female role models and scholars of physics – are receiving the recognition they deserve.”
The Awards trophies were presented by the President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Patrick Johnston, in the Sir William Whitla Hall during Summer Graduation Week.
Pictured above are (l-r) Mark McKeown (First Trust Bank), Clare Scullion, Professor Patrick Johnston and Anita Sands.
General media inquiries should be directed to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University Belfast (tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321, g.power@qub.ac.uk)
For specific inquiries about the Graduate and Student of the Year Awards please contact Queen’s Alumni Officer, Meaghan Lyons m.lyons@qub.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)28 9097 3135.
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