Graduation celebrates the partnerships helping students succeed
Graduation at the University of Salford isn't just about celebrating academic achievement. It's also a chance to recognise the partnerships that help students thrive long before they cross the stage.
At this year's Donor and Scholar Celebratory Reception, graduates, donors, alumni and colleagues came together at The Lowry to celebrate the impact of donor-funded scholarships and the people behind them.
This year marked a record year for donor-funded scholarships at the University of Salford, with more than 70 additional students receiving support through a wide range of scholarship programmes. Alongside financial support, scholars have gained access to mentors, professional networks and opportunities that help them build confidence, develop new skills and prepare for successful careers.
The Harrington Foundation
Among the organisations helping to transform students' lives is the Harrington Foundation, which supports scholarships in technology and environmental sustainability at the University.
Over the past three years, Fiona O'Callaghan, Managing Director of the Harrington Foundation, has seen some of the programme's scholars progress from first-year students to graduates.
She said: "It feels really important to partner with a University that has students from a really diverse range of backgrounds. We want to make sure students have the opportunity to go on and succeed across a wide range of courses and subject areas."
The reception also gave donors the opportunity to meet the students they have supported and hear first-hand how scholarships have shaped their University experience.
Ala Diab, who graduated with a degree in Software Engineering and received a Hg Access to Tech Scholarship, said: "Looking back on the past three years, I don’t think I realised when I first received the Hg Access to Tech Scholarship how much it would shape my University journey. From the people I’ve met and the mentoring sessions to opportunities like securing my summer internship, the support from Hg and the Harrington Foundation has genuinely opened doors for me, and it’s something I’ll always be incredibly grateful for and remember throughout my career."
Keisha Shaw, who graduated with a degree in Physics and received a Farrat Pemberton Scholarship, added: "Over the past three years, the Farrat Pemberton Scholarship has given me far more than financial support. It has helped shape me into the person I am today. I've grown both academically and personally during the three years studying Physics at Salford. I genuinely don't think I would have had the same experience, or reached this point, without Farrat Pemberton's support, and I'm incredibly grateful for everything they have done."
The Mason Family / Morson Group
The Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship, established by the Mason family to honour the memory of Morson Group founder Gerry Mason, has supported aspiring engineers at Salford for more than a decade.
Ged Mason OBE, Executive Chairman of Morson Group, said: "Investing in future talent is so important because we need to create the skill sets for the future. Today's engineers are only just starting on their careers, and we're delighted to support them."
The impact of these partnerships extends well beyond graduation. Recent scholarship impact data highlights the difference this support is making. Nearly every scholarship recipient reported improved wellbeing, all respondents said their scholarship helped reduce financial stress, and more than nine in ten said it has influenced their academic or career direction.
As this year's graduates take their next steps, they do so with more than a degree. Through the support of donors, alumni and industry partners, they've built the confidence, experience and professional networks to help them succeed long after graduation.
If you would like to find out more about supporting scholarships at the University of Salford, please contact the Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement team.
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.