Donor & Recipient Statements
“I see the University of Aberdeen as “the University of the North” and the North needs a centre of absolute excellence on which to build its future prosperity. Whilst the University has grand ambitions on an international scale, it is essential that this ambition should also be available for the folk of the North of Scotland, who need their University to inspire them. As a small gesture, I founded a scholarship aimed at young people from all schools in the Highlands and Islands lying North of Inverness in an effort to attract more applicants and to provide both financial support and genuine encouragement to people in those communities to send their children to an inspiring university in Aberdeen. Setting up this scholarship is genuinely one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I feel privileged to know these young scholars and so enjoy the chance to follow their university careers and offer encouragement when I can.”
Alexander Mackay, Mackay Scholarship donor
“To earn the appreciation of an honest critic like Alexander Mackay, and to know someone that takes a genuine interest in my well-being, and the well-being of all those around me is a priceless commodity that I have been so lucky to receive. His kindness and generosity have helped to propel me through university and hopefully as a result, some day I will be able to put back more into the World than I have taken out and this is a very humbling thought. If I knew of only one way to thank Mr Mackay for all that he has done for me it would be to make him proud and succeed in all of my adventures at university.”
Ryan Mackay, Chemical Engineering student and Mackay Scholarship recipient
“CNR International provides eight scholarships for University of Aberdeen students studying Accountancy, Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Geology & Petroleum Geology. We decided to provide this essential support in memory of four members of staff who worked in those fields of expertise – Bill Stiles, John Aina, John Lynn and Rob Bilsland. At CNR we fully appreciate the financial barriers that can prevent worthy individuals carrying out university studies. We therefore feel that providing these scholarships is the most appropriate way to remember four highly respected members of staff while enabling students to realise their potential and helping the University of Aberdeen to attract the most talented individuals. CNR is pleased and proud to support these scholarships and would strongly encourage and recommend other companies to participate in their own personalised scholarships. It has a meaningful and lasting effect on both sponsor and recipient.”
Steve McGregor, Communication Analyst, CNR International
“I was awarded the CNR Scholarship in my first year of university and it has helped me out greatly. The money alone has helped me afford expensive course text books and has paid for the numerous field trips needed to pass my courses. Also, the extra support from CNR themselves has been priceless as I was assigned a mentor who has given me lots of help and information regarding my future studies and I now have the opportunity to start a summer placement with them which I am really looking forward to. By applying for the scholarship I have opened up my possibilities and have gained so much more knowledge than I would have by just completing my degree. The scholarship has greatly enhanced my university experience and for that I thank them.”
Corinne Garner, Geology & Petroleum Geology Student and CNR Scholarship recipient
