The winner of the 2013 Student Academic Choice Award for Best Support Staff was Anna Hikel, of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Departmental role:

"Since joining the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department in November 1980, one of my duties is working with the Senior Tutor, providing a friendly and welcoming service to the Undergraduate students on a day-to-day basis, meeting with them to discuss their problems and giving advice and support."

"The Skempton would probably fall down without her"

Reaction to winning a SACA:

"I was thrilled to receive the award for “Best Support Staff” and I thanked the students via their Departmental Representative, Mr Michele Swalens, and Civil Engineering Society Chairman, Miss Camilla Nicholson, for nominating me as a show of their appreciation of my dedication and commitment to the students."

Quotations from Anna Hikel's nominations:

“The back bone of the Civil Engineering department, the Skempton would probably fall down without her. She knows every single person in the department without fail, she'll always be willing to help you or point you in the right direction and above all she is kindest person in the world.”

“Anna is the Life blood of the civil engineering department. She is always on hand to answer any questions related to yourself personally or the course itself. She is insturmental in the pastoral care of students, helping them with all matters. It is true to say student satisfaction would drop dramatically if this wonderful woman were not around. I could continue writing more but I am sure the volume of nominations will speak for themselves.”

“Her door is open to any student in the department. She has been unfailingly kind and helpful during a stressful and unhappy term and always goes the extra mile to help everyone!”