Gerry Mason Scholarships
We are immensely honoured, proud, and privileged to continue the legacy of Gerry Mason, founder of the Morson Group, through the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship.
Gerry founded the Morson Group from his family home in 1969, creating a thriving collection of businesses with an outstanding reputation for delivering everything from consultancy to design to people solutions around the world.
Gerry Mason Engineering Excellence Scholarship
In memory of Gerry, the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship launched in 2015 to continue his vision for inspiring engineers of the future. We are extremely grateful of the generosity of the Mason family for the Scholarships have provided over 45 students from Salford with invaluable financial, personal, and professional support over the years.
The Scholarships have not only relieved the recipients of overbearing financial burdens but provided them with the confidence to reach their potential and thrive.
Interview
Read our interview with James, one of the first Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship recipients.
Aiysha
"Being the first to attend university from my family, [the scholarship] has given me the motivation and self-confidence to pursue my education and, hopefully, an eventual career in engineering. Additionally, being a woman in this field and receiving the support from a donor has shown me that a minority in a minority can achieve great things when supported."
Gorgui
"This scholarship will be a real boost in my career as a future engineer but equally for the wellbeing of my family. I am a father of two and I am the first one in my family who has had the opportunity to attend university. So, as you will understand, the success of my studies will be a great inspiration for my sons and whole family."
Jason
"Receiving the scholarship really does make a difference to students like us, especially during this year (2020) where it has been increasingly hard for everyone. It really does positively affect my studies, knowing that there are people out there who care about you and your academic and professional progression."
Abdul
"I really cannot express how the generous funding of the Gerry Mason Scholarships is helping me to get through my course successfully. Every time I feel things are getting tighter and harder, I remember that I am supported by my University and the generous donors. It is such a spirit-lifting feeling to know that you are believed in and being supported in all means."
Ikram
"Being granted the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship was an uplifting moment. It boosted my confidence sky high. It’s an elevating experience to know that I’m receiving support based on my achievements – to me, this is proof that all my sacrifices and hardship were worth it. Thanks to this Scholarship, I feel like my dreams are materialising right in front of me and I can almost grasp it."
Joe
"It has helped me with university life in more ways than I could imagine, it has reduced my financial worries and has made me focus my time on being more productive."
Usaid
"Thank you for this amazing and kind gesture, it honestly means the world to me …. I have a very specific plan for life, and by giving me this scholarship you’ve put me one step closer to achieving my goals which is something I’ll forever be grateful for."
Jack
"I come from a deprived area and …. I am full of thanks to you for supporting this scholarship, it has come as such a relief for my family and me. I can’t thank you enough! You have managed to help me to continue doing what I want to do and it wouldn’t have been possible without you."
Abdullah
"It has helped towards my transportation costs [and] enabled me to buy equipment such as a laptop to complete coursework with and install advanced engineering programs like CAD … This scholarship has given me a sea of opportunities and I cannot comprehend what I would do without it."
Henry
"You have not only enabled me to study the subject I love but have helped me massively outside of the classroom. Life without this scholarship would be drastically different, I would be struggling financially and I know this would have an effect on my work."
Shelsia
"This scholarship has helped me tremendously …. It has taken a weight off my shoulders in relation to not having to worry about money, and I am very grateful to be a part of an organisation that seeks to help students through their course and gives them a platform to express themselves and talk about any worries they have."
BEng (Hons) Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering - please note this degree programme is no longer running
Mujtaba
"This really helps motivate me to give more than 100% in my studies …. It is an incredibly kind and generous gesture by Gerry Mason and equally as kind of the Mason family to continue his legacy."
BEng (Hons) Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering - please note this degree programme is no longer running
Jafar
"My scholarship has had a huge impact on me. There has been a significant improvement in my physical health and I have been feeling more confident in what I am doing …. The scholarship enables us to study and fulfil our dreams and gives us the chance to both live and feel how a normal student should."
BEng (Hons) Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering - please note this degree programme is no longer running
Hawani
"I am deeply grateful for the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honour and deeply appreciative of your support! You have lightened my financial burdens, which allows me to focus more on the important aspect of studying."
Khaled
"This scholarship changed a lot in my life, it has given me the hope and determination to succeed. The financial pressure that comes with pursuing higher education has been reduced massively and I can spend more time on my studies …. I’m so thankful for this scholarship!"
Bekhal
"I really appreciate this opportunity and I am so grateful for your kindness towards students who might need some help. Your support is like a ladder to lead people up towards achieving their dreams. I am so happy that there are kind people like you in the world."
Yahya
"[The scholarship] has supported me and made me financially independent [which] enabled me to have more free time to concentrate on my exams and coursework. It has also enabled me to help my parents."
Gerry Mason Research Award
The Mason family also funded the Gerry Mason Research Award, providing female students studying in a different discipline with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the STEM sector and explore the 'Women in STEM' topic.
We were able to award two women with a Research Award, helping them to attend the Women in STEM conference and write a literature review.
Anisah
Anisah used the Award to research why 'Women in STEM' is such a hot topic, analysing why so few women pursue careers in STEM and what it would take to encourage young girls to consider a future in the sector.
Whilst attending the conference, Anisah had the opportunity to learn more about how companies are encouraging women into STEM careers and the importance of hiring talented women within male-dominated industries.
Sarah
Sarah's research explored the challenges women experience when pursuing a career in engineering and how a connection with someone in the industry can have a positive impact on their development.
Attending the conference provided Sarah with access to current data, relevant individuals, and the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the routes into STEM careers.
More than a scholarship
The Mason family not only support our scholars financially, but emotionally and physically. Over the years, our students have been honoured to meet the family on several occasions, both on campus and at the Morson Group Head Office, where they have gained valuable advice and the confidence to succeed.
We would like to thank the Mason family for their generosity as the Scholarships have enhanced the development of our local talent pipeline and provided our students with extraordinary experiences.
The Mason family also support the University of Salford through the Morson Group, fuelling the creation of the Maker Space and a range of educational activities.