College staff were recognised last week at Imperial College Union's annual Student Academic Choice Awards (SACAs).

Launched in 2012 and now celebrating their fifth year, the SACAs recognise Imperial staff for their contributions to education and the student experience at the College.

This year’s awards received a record 830 nominations from over 470 students from across the College community.

The student panels shortlisted six nominees for each category and there were eight award winners on the night. The student panels selected staff according to their focus on quality teaching, supervision and support.

Luke McCrone

Imperial College Union’s Deputy President (Education), Luke McCrone, hosted this year’s ceremony, which featured prizes for academic and support staff as well as an award for graduate teaching assistants.

Luke McCrone said: “The product you are witnessing this evening is born out of hundreds of nominations voluntarily submitted by students, shortlisted by panels of students chaired and led by students.

“The SACAs represents more than just prestige and success. What it’s really about is giving students the opportunity to say thank you to those staff who work tirelessly to support their education.”

Anderson Santos receiving his award

One of this year’s winners was Anderson Santos, a Postgraduate Administrator from the Department of Mathematics, who took home the award for Best Support Staff.

Anderson was nominated by the Mathematical Finance Research group who said: “Anderson is always friendly and approachable. He always has a big smile upon his face. He is always happy to help with student activities. Since he arrived, the maths department has changed for the better.”

Commenting on his award Anderson said: “Thank you so much. It’s so flattering. I’m just doing my job, I never expected to be nominated.

Professor James Stirling, Provost, said: “This evening we have seen some wonderful examples of great practice, and our task now will be, with your help, to spread this great practice right across the College so that together we can create a community of people with the passion, ability and commitment to secure our position as one of the world’s great universities.”