The Translation People are proud to sponsor the Achievement in Translation Award for graduates of Aston University, Birmingham. On Friday 17th July Steve Wilde, Managing Director, presented the 2009 award to Stacey Downton at a reception following the graduation ceremony at Birmingham Town Hall.

Stacey Downton pictured with Christina Schäffner and Steve Wilde

Aston University is amongst a relatively small number of universities who offer a specific translation studies course and The Translation People are continuing a long association with the University. Steve Wilde commented: “In a period when we are seeing languages declining as a subject choice it is up to us in the commercial environment to join with academic institutions in promoting languages as a vocation. We need to do all we can to encourage good graduates into our industry in order to safeguard its future.”

Stacey was pleasantly surprised to have won the award which Professor Christina Schäffner  said was very well deserved. Stacey has already gained some valuable experience working in France through the summer and is now looking to establish her career in languages back in the UK.

On the day the Aston graduates’ spirit was not damped by the weather; the hat throwing ceremony outside Birmingham Town Hall took place in spite of a heavy shower!

The Right Honourable Douglas Hurd, Lord Hurd of Westwell, CH, CBE, PC, former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and also Secretary of State for the Home Office also received an honorary degree from Aston University at the ceremony.