The generosity of corporate scholarship donors who give to the University of Aberdeen was recognised at an event last night (Wednesday 28 November).
The increasing investment of business and industry in helping talented students to achieve their ambitions was celebrated on Wednesday 28 November at a special reception in the University’s stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
The purpose of the Corporate Scholars’ Reception is to thank companies in many sectors of industry who donate scholarships to the University, and to give them the opportunity to meet the students they are supporting, along with academic staff who are teaching them.
This year’s reception highlighted not only scholarships but a wide range of corporate support and employer engagement initiatives at the University. Representatives of corporate donors mingled with their scholars, with staff from the University’s Careers Service, Mentoring Programme and Development Trust, and with academic staff involved in awarding scholarships and who are key to their success.
The University’s Development Trust administers scholarships based on a mix of award criteria including: academic merit, financial hardship, and contribution to life at the University. To date the Trust has received a total over £8m in support of student scholarships and prizes, 47% of which has come from corporate support.
Guests heard short presentations from Subhajit Das, who receives a PhD scholarship from oilfield chemical service company Roemex, and from Rebecca Gayler, representing energy operator CNR International Limited.
University Principal Professor Ian Diamond, and Chancellor Lord Wilson of Tillyorn also spoke of the huge benefits of scholarships to those giving and receiving.
Professor Diamond said: “The Scholars' Reception is an opportunity for us to thank our donors for their generosity, express our pride in our scholars, and also recognise the work of our staff in supporting these talented students.
“Helping people to fulfil their potential is one of the most important contributions that we as universities can make. The investment of businesses in so many sectors in the donating scholarships is not only an investment in one talented student – it is also an investment in this University and the society it serves.”
Fundraising income for the University of Aberdeen is channelled through the institution’s Development Trust which is a charity registered in Scotland no SC002938. The Trust 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.