Maxmilian Tichy has been Highly Commended in the Business Category of The Undergraduate Awards (UA) Programme 2017 and has been named a regional winner. A regional winner is the highest-performing Highly Commended Entrant from a UA region in their category.
Maxmilian's submissions to the awards - three essays on different aspects of tourism - were highly commended after being assessed by a panel of experts from around the world. This year the Undergraduate Awards received 6,472 submissions from students in 299 institutions across 47 countries. Maxmilian's submissions were ranked in the top 10% of all submissions to the Business category.
Graduating in June 2017 with a BA in International Business with Hospitality and Tourism Management with First Class Honours, Maxmilian is also the winner of the Lord Forte Student Prize for Academic Excellence 2017. Now in its second year, the prize is awarded to an academically outstanding student in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The decision of the selection committee is made through consideration of final year dissertations and overall marks. Maxmilian was awarded the Prize Certificate and cheque for £2,500 by Professor David Hillier, Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School and, in addition to receiving the Prize Certificate, was also presented with the Prize Cup.
In third year Maxmilian was the recipient of a Neil Hood Memorial Scholarship to support a year of international study at the University of South Australia. Maxmilian made the most of the opportunity that this gave him and his selection for these awards recognises his passion for the subject, drive to succeed and ambitions for the future.
Dr Brenda Cullen, Executive director, The Undergraduate Awards, said, "It is an immense achievement for undergraduate students to benchmark their work globally. To be recognised for their creativity and innovative approach within their discipline can only propel them to become global thinkers and potential change-makers. We are very appreciative of the support of the global academic community who work closely with The Undergraduate Awards to identify these impressive students."
Maxmilian said, "I am greatly humbled to be receiving the Undergraduate Awards' Europe Regional Award along with being a Highly Commended Entrant in the Business category.
"Winning the award was a remarkable experience and it feels very encouraging to continue with my further research in international business, travel and tourism. My winning paper explored the case of townships slum tourism in post-apartheid South Africa showcasing the significance of local tourism activities as a tool for poverty alleviation and community development.
"On a personal level, this recognition of my hard work in Honours year and throughout my undergraduate programme clearly symbolises a globally-recognised milestone in my studies. It also reflects the academically challenging and stimulating environment at Strathclyde which fosters students' ideas and help them to thrive."
He added, "I am also honoured to be awarded the Lord Forte Student Prize. In Honours year I had the opportunity to really challenge my critical thinking about contemporary hospitality and tourism related issues and trends. In particular, I enjoyed analysing real case studies reflecting ethical boundaries of business operations and their impact on modern society. Controversial topics of the sharing economy, thanatourism or slum tourism and poverty alleviation were really fascinating to research.
"Strathclyde Business School staff contributed to my exciting and truly useful learning experience. Throughout my studies in International Business and Hospitality and Tourism Management, I had the pleasure of working alongside highly motivated and inspiring academics who shared their passion for the world of hospitality and tourism.
"I'd like to thank the Lord Forte Foundation for providing the prize and encouraging young individuals in engaging and excelling in tourism industries. The prize will go towards my postgraduate studies. My time at Strathclyde has been truly inspiring and provided an interesting outlook into the world of Hospitality and Tourism Management."