When Robina (Ruby) Cormie enrolled at the University of Aberdeen to study a BSc in Science during World War II, pursuing her passion for Physics and Mathematics, she received a £90 bursary, equivalent to approximately £5,550 today, from the British Government to help with the cost of her studies. She considered herself very fortunate to have received financial support and maintained throughout her life that it had a hugely beneficial impact on her studies and her subsequent distinguished career as a scientist.
While at Aberdeen, Ruby met fellow student, David Tough, who was studying for an MA in Mathematics. David graduated with 1st class honours in 1946, immediately becoming a lecturer at the University, and following Ruby’s graduation in 1948, the couple married in King’s College Chapel. Soon after, they both embarked on successful scientific careers at ICI (now AstraZeneca) in Manchester. After retirement, they eventually returned to the Aberdeen area, settling in Inchmarlo near Banchory.
Over the years, David and Ruby maintained a strong connection to the University and a passion for education. As they watched the landscape of higher education change, with many students forced into high levels of debt, they committed to supporting students in financial need at Aberdeen – always remembering the difference Ruby’s bursary had made to her.
The couple’s lifetime giving started in 2000 with regular support for students through the Alumni Annual Fund and the Quincentenary Fund. Around this time, they also made the University aware of pledged gifts in their wills.
Following David’s death in 2016 and Ruby’s in 2018, their generosity culminated in the creation of the Tough & Cormie Scholarship for students studying Physics or Mathematics as part of their course, echoing the couple’s own academic studies.
Current scholar, Heather MacGillivray, is in the second year of her BEng (Mechanical Engineering) and explains here how the funding is having a beneficial impact on her studies: “From a young age, I’ve always been interested in motorsport and building things has always inspired me. I enjoyed STEM subjects at school so when it came time to choose my courses, Mechanical Engineering seemed like the best choice. Looking at courses from different universities, Aberdeen looked promising and when I visited for a tour, I fell in love with the place which confirmed that it was where I wanted to study.
“The scholarship has truly helped me through the year as it’s enabled me to focus on my studies completely and without distraction – with the amount of coursework over the year, a part-time job would have caused a lot of stress and impacted on the quality of my work. As well as this, it’s enabled me to settle in and come out of my shell more easily.
“I’m so immensely grateful and thankful for Ruby and David’s support of my education. It’s taken away the stress about how I fund my studies. I’ve been able to make the most of it and concentrate on my studies. It’s also helped me find my feet in a city so far from my remote island home and forge strong friendships and connections for my future career and ambitions.”
Ruby and David’s story is a testament to the enduring power of a single act of generosity. Their legacy continues to open doors for talented students and provide life-changing opportunities.
If you would like to speak to someone in confidence about the gift in your will to the University of Aberdeen please contact Vanessa Holmes, Legacy Giving Officer, +44 (0)1224 274132 or vanessa.holmes@abdn.ac.uk.
