Donors Events 2024 | The University of Sunderland

Published on 20, June, 2024

The Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, speaks to donors, volunteers and students — The Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell launches the Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Event

Our first Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Event welcomed members of the University’s Giving Circle, individuals and institutions who give sponsorship, their time, expertise and guidance to our students, supporting the life-changing mission of the University of Sunderland.

Donors, supporters and volunteers including Mike and Sue Clasper, David Archer and his wife Moira, Michaela Martin of the St Nicholas Trust, and Phillip Tweddle of the Sunderland Rotary Club, joined the Vice-Chancellor and Patrick Melia, Chief Executive City of Sunderland Council, to meet dozens of the many hundreds of our students and graduates whose lives and careers their generosity and support has changed for the better.

Georgie Cox, Head of Alumni and Development at the University, says: “We are so grateful to all our supporters and volunteers who generously provide philanthropic funding as well as their time to support the University.

“Their support is vital to our work, this year alone we’ve supported more than 100 students with more than £400,000 worth of support - truly life changing.

“Philanthropy and volunteering are essential components that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. For that, on behalf of all of us, we are so grateful for everyone’s commitment to making our University a better place.”

Mike and Sue Clasper with some of the Business students they sponsored to go Hannover for the International Cultural Management Programme

Student and graduate panel at the Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Event

Students and graduates who attended the event have been the recipients of philanthropic scholarships which include the Mike Davies Scholarship, the Futures Fund, the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship, the Helen McArdle PhD Scholarship, Hope Winch Benevolence Scholarship, the Mary and Brian Archer Opportunity Award, the Sir Tom Cowie Sunderland Award Scholarship, the Sir Bob Murray Scholarship, the St Nicolas Trust Scholarship, the Mike Davies Global Challenges Scholarship, the Glenda Young Scholarship, the Madame Fok Choo Scholarship and the Robson Art and Design Scholarship.

Georgie added: “Philanthropic efforts have enabled the funding of scholarships, research initiatives and infrastructure improvements that might otherwise be unattainable. Equally important to the mission of our University is the role of volunteering.

“Volunteering is the embodiment of active citizenship and social responsibility, giving practical advice to students from someone who has been there and done that.”

You can find out more about the work of the Development Office HERE.