Abertay University has introduced a new annual award to honor the legacy of Charlie Malone, a beloved lecturer and influential community leader in Dundee. The inaugural Charlie Malone Prize was presented during the university’s Prizegiving ceremony on December 10, 2025, recognizing a Dundee Business School student who has made the most positive impact in the local community.
Charlie Malone, who passed away in summer 2024, served as a senior lecturer at Abertay for over two decades. Known for his passionate advocacy for widening access to higher education, he was deeply committed to creating opportunities for students and preparing graduates for the professional world.
Beyond academia, Charlie was a prominent civic figure in Dundee. He played a significant role in the landmark Timex industrial dispute of 1993 and later served as a local councillor for the Lochee ward from 2017. His longstanding involvement with trade unions established his reputation as a campaigner for fairness and equality throughout the city.
The award was established by Angus Brodie, programme leader at Dundee Business School, who described Charlie as “more than a colleague – he was a mentor, a friend, and a true advocate for education and equality.” Brodie emphasized that the award aims to keep Charlie’s spirit alive and inspire future generations of students to follow in his footsteps as community champions.
Charlie’s family attended the ceremony to present the first award to Ben Lawrence, a recent graduate of the LLB Law programme. Lorraine Malone, Charlie’s widow, expressed gratitude for the recognition of her husband’s service, noting his dedication to students and innovative approaches to learning, including leading the Innovation for Global Growth Project.
Ben Lawrence, the inaugural recipient, completed his studies in summer 2025 and served as director of TayPer, a student-led law project operating across Dundee and Tayside. TayPer works to improve access to legal support within the local community through outreach initiatives and school education programmes designed to enhance understanding of the law.
“Receiving the first Charlie Malone Prize truly means a great deal to me,” Ben said. “It provides a wonderful culmination of my undergraduate experience at Abertay, as well as my work with TayPer. I’ve seen many students actively engage with our local community, which often lacks the support it needs. They deserve to have their efforts acknowledged.”
The annual Prizegiving ceremony remains a highlight of Abertay’s academic calendar, celebrating excellence and dedication across all disciplines. This year, more than 62 awards were presented to students at City Quay, supported by donors including NCR Atleos, the NHS Tayside Charitable Trust, the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee, and the Institute of Civil Engineers.
The Charlie Malone Prize will continue annually, encouraging Abertay students to look outward and consider how they can benefit others in the Dundee community, just as Charlie did throughout his life and career.
