It provided the opportunity for donors to see the results of their generosity and scholars to express their gratitude and share their achievements.
The evening began with Laura Hutchinson, Acting Director of Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement and Professor Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) giving a short speech to welcome guests.
A panel session followed which was hosted by Professor Grogan. The discussion featured five speakers who shared their stories, highlighting the impact of the University and its scholarship programmes:
- Molly, a final-year Architecture undergraduate student and recipient of a Opportunity Scholarship, spoke about her life before Loughborough and the positive impact of the scholarship on her journey and her experiences at Loughborough.
- Vlad is a first-year Mathematics student and one of our Sanctuary Scholars. He spoke about his life in Ukraine and the war, relocating to Loughborough, and the new opportunities he has found through education.
- Bukunmi is studying for a master's in engineering design at Loughborough. She is the recipient of the Global Impact Scholarship. She discussed the contrasts between studying in the UK and her home country and shared some of her memorable moments in Loughborough.
- Alex is a mid-distance runner and an undergraduate Management student. He is one of the Sports Scholars and has won numerous medals at events such as BUCS. He spoke about his experience and sporting achievements at the University.
- Chris Gill, a Loughborough alumnus and founding donor of the Student Success Academy, reflected on his time at the University, his continued connection through supporting Opportunity Scholars, and the importance of giving back. Chris donated £2 million to the University to enable it to help more students from under-represented groups access and succeed in higher education.
The discussion showcased the life-changing role of scholarships in student success. After the panel session, Professor Grogan thanked the panelists and there was an opportunity for questions.
The audience then heard from Thomas Festa Oderinde, a graduated scholar. He graduated in 2022 with a first-class degree in Economics. He was the recipient of an Opportunity Scholarship supported by The Wing Yip Foundation. He spoke about his journey post-graduation and the impact his scholarship has had, discussing his current role as Finance Business Partner at Hill Group UK, and former role at PwC.
The event concluded with Professor Rachel Thomson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dr Sophie-Louise Hyde, Head of Careers and Student Enterprise, introducing four networking zones for donors and students to take part in. The zones’ themes were mental health and wellbeing, placement/careers advice, “ask me anything”, and dynamic working and time management.
Thank you to everyone who supports our scholarship programmes.
