Two “excellent and hard-working” DMU Journalism students shared this year’s Andy Plaice award in recognition for their endeavour during their three years in Leicester.
It is the first time judges could not decide on an overall winner for the prize, which honours hard-working journalism students at DMU but also remembers a much-loved and missed former journalist and lecturer.
New graduates Delta Dobson and Madi Bowman shared the award, which was originally founded in 2021.
The award recognises student(s) who not only excelled during their time at DMU but students who also overcame challenges during their three years at university.
This year, the award was shared by Delta Dobson and Madi Bowman.
Delta said the course had helped to transform his outlook and bolster his confidence.
“My journey through university was hardly an easy ride – but hearing my name called at graduation made it all worth it,” he said.
“I’ve loved my time at DMU and it’s made me into a much more confident and rounded person. Winning The Andy Plaice award was a shock but also a real honour.
“I feel so proud that my determination and hard work was recognised by my lecturers, who I know always did their best for me. I’m leaving DMU with many memories, good friends and the confidence to tackle the journalism world with both hands.”
Madi said she was looking to the future, and was excited to see where her Journalism degree would take her.
“My time at university had its ups and downs, and I definitely couldn’t have got through it without the support of my wonderful lecturers,” she said.
“I am so proud to be the first person in my family to attend university, and receiving my degree means the world to me. I’m proud of myself for pushing through the tough times. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
The annual award is named in honour of former DMU Journalism lecturer and journalist, Andy Plaice.
Andy was a lecturer at DMU for 13 years and, before that, a former editor of The Melton Times and The Stamford and Rutland Mercury. He died, aged 53, in 2020. His presence, sound advice and good humour are missed still by his many friends at DMU.
DMU journalism lecturer Lee Marlow said it was too difficult to pick an outright winner – so judges decided to give the award to both students.
“The award not only recognises the good work of talented students – but their drive, diligence, determination to not give in,” he says. “These are important attributes not just for young journalists but for any graduate leaving university. Delta and Madi have this in spades.
“Delta was a quiet, shy first-year. By the time he graduated, he was a confident, talented all-round journalist. It was a pleasure to see him develop.
“Madi, it’s fair to say, never struggled with confidence – but she had challenges of her own, especially in her final year. She knuckled down, worked hard and graduated, when others may have crumbled.
“I know I speak for all the lecturers in the DMU Journalism department that it was pleasure teaching them both, it was always good to have them in a class they were excellent, hard-working young journalists. Also – I know Andy would have loved to have taught them. We wish them both the very best of luck in the future.”
