Sir David Landale was the Chairman of the Crichton Endowment Trust which later became the Crichton Foundation. After his retiral as Convenor he became the Foundation’s Honorary President. Sir David played a vital role in establishing a university Campus at the Crichton and was a regular attender at Foundation events as well as a great supporter of our work.
Following his death in March 2016 Sir David bequeathed a sum of money to the Foundation. The monies are to be used to fund an annual prize to a student on the Campus. His wishes state:
“Initially but with flexibility for the future, £500 yearly will be given to the University student who is nominated for making an outstanding contribution to the Crichton Campus in the Dumfries and Galloway region.”
Nominations were sought from staff and students at both the University of Glasgow and the University of the West of Scotland on the Crichton Campus. The Crichton Foundation Awards Committee chose the winner from a shortlist of candidates, two from each academic institution.
The inaugural winner of the Sir David Landale Prize is Elaine Walker. Elaine was nominated by Dr Shirley Turberville. A mature student, Dalbeattie resident Elaine is described as having brought a wealth of experience to the nursing programme. She demonstrated passion, enthusiasm and great ability in all aspects of learning. Elaine was also a student representative on the Staff, Student Liaison Group that forms part of the quality improvement process at UWS as well as being chairperson of the group in her final year.
In addition to her studies Elaine took part voluntarily in many open events for prospective students and for school pupils on campus and supported student skills sessions. She has also represented students at a Nursing and Midwifery Council quality review of the nursing programme. The time commitments and demands of the nursing programme are great but despite this Elaine gave of her own time freely and voluntarily where possible.
Dr Turberville said “I have no hesitation in recommending Elaine for the Sir David Landale prize as she has made an exceptional commitment to everything that she does and to all of those that she has come into contact with.”
Elaine was presented with her prize by Lady Landale at the UWS graduation ceremony on 31st October 2017.
