First-class tribute to an inspirational teacher

Lee Musson graduates not just with a First Class BA (Hons) History degree but also the first Rob Lee Memorial Prize.

The Prize is awarded for the most outstanding piece of work by an undergraduate, in the field of northern history, and awarded in memory of Dr Rob Lee, a Teesside senior lecturer in History who died from cancer in February 2010.

Lee, 40, from Fairfield, Stockton-on-Tees, said of his prize: 'I’m very proud to be the first recipient although it’s a sad occasion as well. He was an interesting and inspirational teacher who I respected a lot.'

Margaret Hems, Head of History at Teesside, in her tribute to Dr Lee, added: 'Staff and students alike benefited from Rob’s uncompromising dedication and enthusiasm for what he called ‘our great cause’ – the study of history. It was impossible not to admire his intelligent wit, his fantastic sense of humour and his thoughtful sensitivity.'

Lee returned to full-time education in his late 30s, after a lengthy period in retail management. He said: 'I felt that education wasn’t for me and joined a Youth Training Scheme after school and worked my way up. My partner Lucy and I went travelling to Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji when I was 35, on a career break. That gave me a fresh outlook on life and I enrolled on an access course at Middlesbrough College when I came home. I was petrified at first but got so much support from the tutors and went on to get marks of 100%.'

The access course led to the Teesside history degree The access course led to the Teesside history degree, which Lee found a stimulating choice. He said: 'The Victorian period was probably my favourite, a massive transformational era, with the advent of rail, the onset of the industrial revolution and the accompanying social changes. I also enjoyed the study of wars and their impact on society.'

Lee is working as a paid intern in the University’s Department for Marketing & Student Recruitment, and applying to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education to train as a primary school teacher. While at the University Lee also worked as a student mentor to local primary and secondary pupils.

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