Plymouth University has presented a range of scholarships and awards to dozens of students looking to reach their potential and make a difference.
For the first time, all of the University’s successful beneficiaries received their certificates at the same event, ready to embark on their new challenges – both academic and extra-curricular.
Categories included the Roland Levinsky Memorial Fund, established in 2007 after the tragic death of the then Vice-Chancellor, awarded to students for use in advancing their extra-curricular work; the Arts and World Culture Travel Bursary and the Justin Bickle Law Scholarship.
As a member of the global Santander Universities Network, Plymouth University also receives funding for a range of scholarships from Santander that support the student experience, employability and internationalisation.
Ellie Walsh is a PhD student who benefitted from the Roland Levinsky Memorial Fund to travel to Nepal and research low-caste poetry in the country. While she was over in Nepal, a devastating earthquake hit, and from research to rescue, she told her story to the audience at the award ceremony.
Ellie said:
“I saw so many things that I’ll never forget and, although it was tough, my friends and I stayed in the country to help where we could in the remote areas. Receiving the money from the Roland Levinsky Fund has meant that I can continue my research without worrying financially, and I’m so pleased to be able to do so.”
Mel Joyner, Director of Student Services, said:
“It was really inspirational to hear from people like Ellie who have benefitted from the scholarships and awards provided by the University and its partners. On behalf of the University I want to say a sincere thank you to our donors – without your valuable support we wouldn’t be able to offer these amazing opportunities to our students and staff.”
Emma Parker, University Relationship Branch Manager for Santander, said:
“It’s fantastic for Santander to support the University by offering a number of scholarships, and it was great to see the variety of challenges and expeditions the successful beneficiaries are undertaking. Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and in some cases University staff, the Santander Universities scholarships embrace language exchange programmes, initiatives to promote volunteering and employability skill development, and research projects in the UK and overseas. They also encourage the development of new research areas that are of global concern, prioritising ocean-renewable energy.”