Announcing the Winner of the John Tandy Final Year Student Award
This year the John Tandy Final Year Student Award was awarded to Tobias Hunter (BVSc 2024).
The award, launched in 2018 as the University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association Final Year Student Award, was renamed last year to commemorate John Tandy (BVSc 1957). John was an enthusiastic supporter of the veterinary school and its students and a constant on the ULVAA Committee until just before his death. Nominations are submitted by peers in recognition of the outstanding contribution made by a final year student to life at Liverpool’s School of Veterinary Science. The criteria for the John Tandy Final Year Student Award embodies what John was all about: a student whom contemporaries feel has contributed most to the student community.
Tobias was nominated by his fellow students, who shared:
"It is nearly impossible to summarise the impact that Tobias has had on the vet school during his time here. He has been actively involved in countless societies, arranged several events including overseas trips, and been a passionate ambassador for the LGBT+ community within the vet school and the wider university. In addition to this, he was a founder and active member of the Bereaved Vet Student Support group after losing his mum whilst at university. This group aims to support other students attempting to navigate life at vet school after the loss of a family member. The highlights we share below are by no means exhaustive, but they demonstrate some of the ways Tobias has made a purposeful and positive impact on his peers. We know he will continue to strive to make our profession a more equal and diverse industry through various means, including his own business. Tobias never seeks applause or reward for his actions but continues to be one of the most hardworking and dedicated students we have met. There is no one else who deserves recognition and celebration for their incredible effort more than Tobias Hunter."
Highlights:
Liverpool University Veterinary Society
1st and 2nd Student Rep
Diversity officer
Secretary
Liverpool University Veterinary Zoological Society
President (2018–2022)
Organised events including exotic handling days, overseas trips to European zoos, and guest speakers
LGBT+ Community
British Veterinary LGBT+ Student President (2022–present)
Liverpool University LGBT+ President, Transmasculine Representative, Treasurer, Welfare, and Campaigns Officer
Liverpool University Veterinary LGBT+ Society Secretary
Founder of the Bereaved Vet Student Support Group
Creates a safe space for bereaved students to connect and support each other
Affinity Futures
Director of an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion consultancy business
On winning the award, Tobias said:
"I'm completely overjoyed to receive the John Tandy Final Year Student Award and I want to give my thanks to the students who nominated me. It was truly an emotional and unexpected moment.
I've faced many challenges through my 7 years of vet school and my work with the Bereaved Vet Students Group, the British Veterinary LGBT+ Society, and Affinity Futures have all been to help ensure that future students facing similar hurdles have even a slightly less difficult time than I did.
I want to say a massive thank you to all the staff, students, and colleagues in the veterinary profession that have supported me along the way. I'm excited for the next step in my journey which will be starting as a mixed vet in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in January 2025."
The University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association is proud to recognise Tobias’s significant positive impact on the vet school and he serves as an inspiration to the entire student body. We look forward to receiving nominations in future years. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!