‘Outstanding’ international student awarded Chancellor’s Medal at University of Sheffield

An ‘outstanding’ Management and Economics graduate has been awarded the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Sheffield.

Peruvian international student Maria Jose Gordillo Chiriboga received the prestigious recognition as part of last week’s graduation ceremonies.

During her studies, Maria held a placement with PepsiCo UK & Ireland as an Ecommerce Analyst, headed up sustainability initiatives for the PepsiCo Green Team, and worked with Amnesty International and Take Action Global – the latter of which involved negotiations with the Peru Ministry of Education.

Maria said: “I am incredibly honoured to have received the Chancellor’s Medal, it is a special way to close this chapter of my time at Sheffield.

“It feels like a recognition not just of my own efforts, but also of the incredible people I have worked with over the past four years since I came to study here all the way from Peru!”

The graduate also served as President of the Women in Business Society, an an employability ambassador, and Support Worker for the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS), as well as bringing TEDx talks to the university.

She added: “What I am most proud of is the sense of community I have helped build alongside my studies at Sheffield. Whether that was inspiring students organising TEDxUniversityofSheffield, encouraging confidence and ambition in Women in Business, or supporting international students like myself as a Student Ambassador.

“Looking ahead, I hope to work connecting businesses with purpose. Since I was 17, I have been involved with a climate action NGO focused on sustainability education, and through my studies at Sheffield, I have learned more about the intersection of sustainability and innovation.

“I’m excited to keep exploring professionally while keeping my passion for sustainability close to everything I do.”

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Vice chancellor Koen Lamberts said: “Maria is an outstanding and deserving winner of the Chancellor’s Medal. Throughout her studies, Maria has shown remarkable leadership skills and a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

“We are very pleased to be able to recognise her achievements and impact.”

Professor Paul Latreille, Chair in Management at the University of Sheffield’s Management School also praised Maria’s “substantial contributions to the Management School and Economics, the University and wider society”.

He added: “Maria is already making her mark in public life and it’s been a privilege to be a small part of her journey, and I congratulate her on this latest, well-deserved accolade and wish her continued success in the future as she seeks to make the world a better place.”

The Chancellor’s Medal is awarded annually to a final year student or graduate for personal or academic achievements.

Featured image from University of Sheffield