King's bestows the highest honour possible to Physiotherapy student

Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine student, George Noorland, was awarded the Jelf Medal at his graduation ceremony in July 2016.

The Jelf Medal is the very highest honour that the university can bestow on one of its students. The students chosen are those who, in the view of the Principal, have most distinguished themselves during their undergraduate course – both by excelling academically and achieving the highest possible grades of their cohort, and by contributing extensively to the wider life of King’s. 

Achieving a first class honours BSc in Physiotherapy, George also represented King’s in swimming, waterpolo and football. He was a part of the team that were University of London Union Swimming Champions 2013-14, UPOLO (National) Waterpolo finalists 2013-14, and Varsity Waterpolo Champions 2014.

During his time at King’s he was a Chartered Society of Physiotherapy student representative helping to develop links between the governing body and students. Notably he was credited with the creation of the Southeast regions ‘Big Idea’ in 2015, which came 2nd nationally.

Talking of the win he says, “It was definitely a surprise to be awarded, but it was a very nice surprise. After a difficult few years of hard work in completing my degree, it was such a wonderful experience to have it all come together with the recognition of the award. I am very humbled by it. A lot of the work I did was as part of team and I couldn’t have achieved what I did without many other students.”

After graduating with a first class honours BSc in physiotherapy this year, George isn’t yet done with King’s. “I’m actually getting ready to take the UKCAT so, if all things go to plan, I can actually come back to King’s and study Medicine in 2017-18. I loved my experience at King’s and hopefully they’ll have to see my face around the campus again soon”, he laughed.

The Jelf Medal was created in honour of Rev Richard Jelf DD who retired from the role of Principal of King’s in 1868 after holding this office for 24 years. The Medal commemorates his services to the university.