GCU students success in sustainable essay writing competition
The University’s excellence in the field of sustainability has propelled GCU students to outstanding performances in a national competition. The University is a member of the UK and Ireland Chapter of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), which recently held its second annual Responsible Business and Management Writing Competition.
Postgraduate student Marius Saunes won second prize for his essay, placing him ahead of fellow GCU finalists Adam Graf, Leila Rabelo, Caroline Russell-Smith and Kimberley Winternitz and entries from other UK universities. In the Undergraduate section, GCU’s Giuseppe Trimarco was placed amongst the finalists.
Climate Change and Carbon Management Module leader Prof Rohinton Emmanuel was delighted three of his students made the final. He said “I am particularly pleased that the case made by our students to highlight ‘carbon management’ as a key plank of responsible management education is widely recognised. As we move towards a low carbon world, a socially responsible and technically sound approach to carbon management is vital for holistic sustainability. It is doubly gratifying that our students were able to highlight this even as they gain national recognition that further adds to their learning experience at GCU.”
Finalist Kimberley Winternitz said “It is interesting to learn that my analytical and writing skills are competitive also outside of GCU. That so many of my classmates have been recognised as well confirms that we had good teachers. A big thank you to Rohinton and Keith, and congrats to Caroline, Marius, Leila and Adam!”
Her coursemate, Leila Rabelo, said “I was very surprised and pleased with the results and happy to contribute to the PRME principles. The lecturers at GCU were always very open and enthusiastic to discuss the subject, which encouraged us to explore and learn more about climate change and carbon management, which of course are very important and relevant topics at the moment.”
The PRME Chapter UK and Ireland is chaired by GCU Senior Lecturer in the School for Business and Society, Dr Alec Wersun. He welcomed “the clear evidence demonstrated in the competition entries of a deepening engagement with themes central to the pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals across the business school sector.” He also paid particular tribute to “all those academic staff whose work, week in and week out, has inspired and motivated their students to grapple with the challenges of sustainability, ethics and responsible management and leadership.”
Any enquiries about the results or the third competition planned for 2018/19 can be directed to Dr Jonathan Louw of Oxford Brookes University at prme@brookes.ac.uk
For more information about the PRME Chapter UK and Ireland see: https://www.unprme.org.uk/