Hull College Celebrates Student Success and Honours Community Leaders with Order of Distinction Awards

Kathryn Shillito - Executive Director at Hull BID - and Andy Sykes - Plant Director at Siemens Gamesa - being awarded an Order of Distinction

THE Order of Distinction celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community, made a significant impact in their field, and inspired others through their work. It is one of the college’s most prestigious accolades, presented annually at the Graduation Ceremony.

Previous recipients of the honour include Beckie Hart (CBI Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber), Dominic Gibbons (Managing Director of Wykeland Group), Councillor Anne Handley (Leader of East Riding Council), Tim Shaw (former CEO of KCOM), Lucy Blackley (Founder and CEO of Bombyx PLM), and Tim Rix CBE (Chairman at J.R. Rix & Sons).

Recognising Local Leadership and Impact

 Kathryn Shillito, a proud Hullensian and former Hull College student, has dedicated her career to driving growth, pride, and opportunity within the city. Since joining Hull BID in 2009, Kathryn has worked tirelessly to support more than 800 city centre businesses, champion regeneration, and deliver events that bring thousands of people into Hull. Her enduring connection with Hull College continues today, with Hull BID currently collaborating with Art and Design students on a city centre art trail celebrating their creativity.

Reflecting on receiving the Order of Distinction, Kathryn said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive this award from Hull College - a place that played such a formative part in my own journey. To be recognised for doing what I love in a city I love means so much to me. Hull has changed enormously over the years, but its community spirit, creativity and resilience remain as strong as ever.”

Andy Sykes, who became Plant Director at Siemens Gamesa in 2020, has been a driving force behind Hull’s status as a key player in the global renewable energy sector. Having joined the company during the early stages of the Hull factory’s development in 2016, Andy’s leadership has been pivotal in establishing the site as a lead factory within the Siemens Gamesa global network. Passionate about developing future talent, Andy continues to work closely with education providers to ensure the next generation of young people have access to meaningful and sustainable career pathways.

On receiving his award, Andy said: “It’s a real privilege to be recognised by Hull College, an institution that plays such a vital role in shaping the future workforce of our region. Working in renewable energy has shown me how much potential there is here in Hull, and I’m passionate about helping young people see that they can build an exciting, fulfilling career right on their doorstep.”

Honouring Achievement and Excellence

 Speaking about this year’s Order of Distinction recipients, Debra Gray MBE, Principal & Chief Executive at Hull College, said: “Both Kathryn and Andy embody the values we celebrate through the Order of Distinction - leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to community. Kathryn has been instrumental in transforming Hull city centre into a vibrant, welcoming place for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Andy’s work at Siemens Gamesa showcases how our region is leading the way in renewable energy and sustainability. They are both shining examples of what it means to make a difference, and we are delighted to honour them this year.”

Celebrating Student Success

Alongside the Order of Distinction presentations, the ceremony also recognised the achievements of this year’s graduating students - celebrating their hard work, resilience, and success throughout their studies.

Reflecting the high standards of teaching and learning across the college’s degree-level programmes, more than 25% of graduating students achieved the highest possible outcome of either a First or Distinction, underlining Hull College’s commitment to providing exceptional higher education opportunities that empower students to excel academically and professionally.

Several special awards were also presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional talent, progress, and achievement in their respective fields, including:

• Early Years, Health & Education Student of the Year: Neelam Javed
• Performing Arts Student of the Year: Eleanor Spamer
• Art & Design Student of the Year: Kellyanne Norris
• Advanced Beauty Therapy Student of the Year: Baraah Al Mokdad
• Criminology & Psychology Student of the Year: Amy Stonham
• The David White Memorial Award: Alexa Gjeka
• Senior Student Representative Awards: Laura Everett & Amelia Rilatt

Award-winning student Amy Stonham said: “Graduation was one of the proudest moments of my life. Looking back on the journey and the effort I’ve put in, it felt amazing to celebrate everything I’ve achieved. Studying at Hull College has given me so many opportunities to grow, learn and challenge myself, and I’m incredibly grateful to the tutors who always encouraged me to keep going. Walking across the stage at graduation felt like a moment where all of that came together - I was so proud of how far I’ve come. This experience has shaped who I am today, and I’m excited for what comes next.”

Debra Gray MBE added: “Graduation is always an incredibly special day for everyone connected with Hull College. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of our students - their dedication, hard work, creativity, and ambition. It was an honour to be able to celebrate these remarkable achievements in the spectacular backdrop of Hull Minster, alongside our graduates’ loved ones, tutors, and special guests. We are immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished, and we know they’ll go on to do amazing things in their careers and communities.”