Domestic Cleaner, Steve Owen, has been awarded for the exceptional support he has shown to students this year.
Steve, who has worked at Plas Gwyn Halls of Residence for nine years has been described as “far more than just a cleaner” and as someone who “helped make Cardiff feel a little more like home”.
Students nominated Steve for the University’s Student-Led Teaching Awards, an annual opportunity for students to recognise and reward good teaching and inspirational support from staff members.
This year 690 nominations for 265 members of staff were submitted across eight categories.
Steve’s winning nomination from the students said: “Steve was the friendliest face on the entirety of the halls’ staff. I and the other members of my flat always looked forward to the next time we’d get to see Steve.
“To us, Steve was far more than just a cleaner, he was someone who was always there to lend an ear or offer a hand when something wasn’t working quite right in the flat. He always came into work with a smile on his face, even when a pandemic was announced and he was having a hard time, Steve was still there for us.
“We cannot easily put into words just how important he was to settling into our first year at Cardiff Met, but he managed to make Cardiff feel a little more like home.
“Of all the brilliant staff from Cardiff Met, he made an incredible and long-lasting difference, despite only seeing us for such short periods of time and for that, he deserves some recognition "
Lisa Ah-Mun, Halls Manager said: “Steve has been part of the Plas Gwyn Halls Team since 2012.
“Steve has worked alongside all the Team in providing not just domestic duties but also pastoral care. Engaging and developing a good rapport with students who are experiencing their first time away from home, homesickness or just a general chat about student life and top tips to look after your kitchen and win ‘Best in Show’ on inspection days.
“Steve has had an impact on students every year and they always show their appreciation by way of thank you cards and boxes of chocolates. I am delighted and that the Students have recognised and nominated him for this award. This also reflects on the great work that all of our Domestic staff in Halls continue to provide to students.
Steve said: “When I read the nomination from the students and what they said about me, I’ll be honest, I was overwhelmed. I wasn’t aware of what I was doing, as it just came naturally to me – I’m always chatting and I’ve always got time to stop to speak to people, I enjoy getting to know them.
“I remember the students who nominated me and they were fantastic. I clean three blocks of flats, so you really get to know the students. We are there not to only do a cleaning job, but we are there to be here for the students as well”
“I want to personally say thank you to the students. They’ve made my year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“All of our students have coped amazingly this year despite the pandemic, and I really hope they can have a more normal student experience in the next academic year.”