The University of Aberdeen concluded this year’s Founders’ Week with its Benefactors’ Lunch last Friday - a special event honouring individuals and organisations whose generosity and commitment continue to shape the University’s future.
Founders’ Week offers a moment of reflection on the institution’s origins in 1495 and on the generations of people whose support has allowed the University to thrive. This year’s celebration held additional significance as it marked the first Founders’ Week under the leadership of the University’s new Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Edwards. The occasion provided an opportunity to recognise those whose belief in the University’s mission has had a transformative impact across teaching, research and student experience.
Professor Edwards welcomed previous recipients of the prestigious Benefactor to the University Award and honoured three additional outstanding benefactors whose service and philanthropy exemplify the spirit of Founders’ Week.
Cancer Research Aberdeen North East Scotland (CRANES)
The University was honoured to welcome Gladys Sangster MBE, Liz Buchan, and Lorraine Hunter, representing CRANES (Cancer Research Aberdeen North East Scotland). Yvonne Moir, a long-standing committee member, was also recognised, though she was unable to attend the event.
CRANES was founded in response to concerns that major national cancer charities were directing funds raised in the North-East of Scotland to projects elsewhere in the UK. Determined to ensure that locally raised funds supported local research, Gladys Sangster and a colleague established CRANES to champion cancer research within the region.
As the committee grew to include Liz, Lorraine and Yvonne, the organisation expanded its mission and impact. Since its inception, CRANES has contributed more than £1 million to cancer research projects at the University of Aberdeen - an extraordinary achievement for a volunteer-led group. Their support continues today, including consideration of a project led by Professor Gerald Lip, who is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to advance cancer diagnosis and treatment.
CRANES has consistently demonstrated the difference that a small, committed group can make. Their sustained dedication has had a profound impact on both the University and NHS Grampian. The University was proud to honour the committee with the Benefactor to the University Award.
Anne Harper (MA 1973, MUniv 2016)
The University also recognised Anne Harper, whose longstanding commitment and generosity have significantly enriched Aberdeen’s academic and cultural landscape.
Anne Harper has been a steadfast supporter of the University for many years. As a member of the Library Fundraising Committee for the Sir Duncan Rice Library, she made a major gift recognised through the naming of the Library’s air conditioning system - an acknowledgement that reflects her professional understanding, as a former Archivist, of the vital importance of conservation and climate control for libraries and archives.
More recently, Anne has been supporting the restoration of the “Black Paintings” or King’s Paintings, three of which will soon be installed in the Library following their careful conservation.
Anne has also given countless hours of service to our University providing invaluable support to colleagues across many areas, including as a former Trustee of the University of Aberdeen Development Trust, where she played a key role in raising and stewarding charitable funds. Her commitment has been both generous and enduring and she remains a trusted advisor and advocate for the University’s ambitions.
Professor John Simpson (MBChB 1965, PhD 1975)
An exceptional contributor to the University across many decades, Professor John Simpson was honoured for his leadership, philanthropy and volunteer service.
John’s establishment of The John Simpson Chair in Medical Education represents a visionary investment in the future of medical teaching at the University of Aberdeen. In addition to this landmark gift, he supports two named scholarships - the Wynne Bonnyman Scholarship and the Noble Simpson Scholarship - which help ensure that talented students can pursue their studies regardless of financial circumstances.
His generosity has extended across major initiatives within the University’s Sixth Century Campaign, including the Special Collections Centre in the Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Matthew Hay project. John’s leadership roles as a Trustee of the Development Trust and as a member of the Matthew Hay Campaign Board were instrumental in shaping the Suttie Centre - now a cornerstone of medical education on the Foresterhill campus.
John has also been a passionate ambassador for class giving among medical alumni, encouraging former classmates to reconnect and collectively support current students. Widely respected within the alumni community, he continues to inspire others through his commitment and example.
Celebrating Generosity and Impact
Each of this year’s honourees reflects the values at the heart of the University of Aberdeen: generosity, leadership, community and a belief in the power of knowledge to create positive change. Their contributions have strengthened the University, enhanced the region, and created opportunities with global impact.
The University extends its heartfelt thanks to all its benefactors. Their support continues to shape the institution’s story and its future.
