Staff and students celebrated at inaugural Summer Garden Party

Guests listen to a speech by President Alice Gast

Earlier this week Imperial's President hosted an event to celebrate staff and students who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the College.

With the support from the Faculties and all Heads of Department, over 200 staff were nominated to attend the Garden Party in recognition of their outstanding work, contributions or exceptional performance.

Congratulating nominees on their achievements, Imperial’s President Professor Alice P. Gast said: “This is our message to you today – everyone is an integral part of our overall mission and we appreciate all that you do."

Cetin Avsar, Senior Security Officer, was nominated for his response to a medical emergency on campus. Cetin has worked in Security Services at the College for 23 years, with his responsibilities including carrying out security patrols, issuing ID cards, and providing first aid when necessary. He said: “I manage and supervise a team of 12 officers and we try to keep things running smoothly. We provide 24 hour security cover – our main focus is providing a professional service to the College community and our visitors.”

Talking about the Garden Party, Cetin said: “It means a lot to be noticed and appreciated, to be recognised for what I have done in my role. It’s a privilege to be a part of the College.”

Guests were treated to a performance by the Techtonics, Imperial’s all-male student a cappella group, who recently won the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.

Sonata Petrauskaite, Senior Waitress, was nominated for her dedication to delivering excellence customer services, hard work and outstanding management and team leadership. Sonata has worked at the College for eight years, delivering refreshments to meeting rooms and working at evening receptions and high-profile College events. She said: “My biggest achievements include working at VIP visits including Prince Charles and the President of China.

“The Garden Party was absolutely brilliant – and it was great to be there as a guest and be served by my colleagues!”

Among the student nominees was Emily-Jane Cramphorn, winner of the 2015 Imperial College Union Campaign of the Year Award for her work on Mentality, which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and educate students about the importance of mental health.

President Gast concluded by saying: “Imperial’s strategy recognises the need to harness our collective strength to deliver our mission. 

“When we make great research discoveries which go on to benefit society, and when our students leave and go on to great things in their lives and careers, it is because of your collective contributions.

“You all play a part in delivering our education and research mission. And I am proud to count each of you as a colleague.”