University students to benefit from money raised for the Dr Mary Esslemont Scholarship Programme
Over 250 guests gathered at The Marcliffe at Pitfodels yesterday to enjoy a Bucks Fizz reception, lunch and presentation to raise over £3,000 for a scholarship set up in 2011 in memory of Aberdeen alumna Dr Mary Esslemont.
The event was hosted by Professor Neva Haites, Vice Principal for Development, and generously supported by The Marcliffe at Pitfodels. Curator of Cruickshank Botantic Garden, Mark Paterson, was guest speaker and the funds were raised by ticket sales and a raffle which was supported by many of the individuals and companies attending the event.
Mark Paterson spoke passionately about his new role with Cruickshank Botanic Garden and expanded on the ongoing purpose of the Garden. He highlighted the future opportunities that his post and the Garden will provide for both the University and the broader populace of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. A leading horticulturalist, Mark was a key figure at the highly acclaimed Eden Project in Cornwall before joining the University in January 2012. He is central to the University of Aberdeen Development Trust’s Heritage campaign, which aims to protect and preserve the University’s historic buildings and environment.
Dr Mary Esslemont was one of Aberdeen’s most highly regarded medical figures. A strong advocate of women’s rights, health education and family planning, her work touched the lives of most families living in the City during the middle years of the twentieth century. She achieved many notable female ‘firsts’, including first woman to serve on the Scottish Council of the British Medical Association, of which she later became Chairperson and Life President. She was awarded a C.B.E. in 1955.
University of Aberdeen Development Trust Stewardship Manager Hayley Moncur stated “This fund was established in 2011 in memory of Dr Mary Esslemont thanks to the generosity of last year’s Lunch guests. We are delighted with the success of this year’s event and would like to thank everybody who attended as well as Mark for his inspirational presentation and The Marcliffe at Pitfodels for their support. All the monies raised will be used to support the Dr Mary Esslemont Scholarship, an annual award given to an individual student who would otherwise be unable to attend University without financial assistance.”
The Development Trust is an independent charity registered in Scotland which raises essential funds to support much of the University’s activities such as vital medical research as well as supporting students through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and facilities and preserving the University’s rich heritage. Funding from alumni, individuals, companies, organisations and the community is essential to enable a wide range of activities.