Dr Mary Esslemont Scholarship boosted by annual lunch
Over 300 guests gathered at The Marcliffe at Pitfodels on Thursday 11 September to enjoy a Bucks Fizz reception, lunch, a presentation and musical performances to raise over £6,000 for the Dr Mary Esslemont Scholarship. This year’s Ladies’ Lunch celebrated twenty years of raising funds for student scholarships. Thousands of pounds have been raised by the Lunch’s generous guests over the years, and this event was no different with the money being raised through donations, raffles and auction prizes.
The Dr Mary Esslemont Scholarship provides support to University of Aberdeen students who may not be able to attend without financial assistance. It was established in 2011 after being supported by the guests of that year’s Ladies Lunch. Dr Mary Esslemont was a prolific figure in advancing the status of female students at the University in the early twentieth century and the first student to benefit from the Scholarship is Lucy Cowpland who is now in the third year of her Anthropology and International Relations degree. Lucy joined the Lunch guests this year and talked about how the Scholarship helps her.
“This scholarship has been a huge help in my studies as it has contributed to the buying of books, and living costs. If it were not for this scholarship, I would struggle to study at Aberdeen University. I can’t express enough my deep gratitude and I hope you know how much I value and appreciate your help.”
This year’s event was hosted by Professor Paul Mealor, Professor of Composition at the University and royal composer for the wedding of TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. He welcomed over 330 guests to an afternoon of good food and excellent entertainment. Medieval art historian expert, Professor Jane Geddes, gave a highly entertaining and engaging speech, discussing episodes in her academic career as a woman and how whilst wishing to be an Indiana Jones, she has turned out to be more of a Bridget Jones.
The Development Trust was also delighted to introduce the University’s Chapel Choir who, thanks to the generosity of the previous year’s Ladies’ Lunch, received twelve student Scholarships. The Choir gave a wonderful musical performance showcasing their group and solo harmonies.
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 our worldwide family of alumni, individuals, companies, organisations and the community is essential to enable a wide range of activities.