Generous donations from five philanthropic organisations have helped seven talented students from underrepresented areas of Scotland to complete their first semester at Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Access RGU Scholarships provid financial and academic support to the undergraduate students for the duration of their studies at RGU. The scholarships are made available by invite only to students who demonstrate academic merit, motivation and ambition.
Donations from Anderson Anderson Brown, Canadian Natural Resources, The Budge Foundation, Baillie Gifford and The Ina Scott Sutherland Charitable Foundation have made the scholarships possible.
“The scholarship really helps. It opens up opportunities and it does make me more comfortable taking those opportunities,” said 3D Design student Meredith Moffat, who was selected for the Baillie Gifford Scholarship.
Baillie Gifford was founded in 1908 and is now the UK’s largest independent investment partnership. It has over 100 years of experience and focuses on adding value for its clients, supporting companies and benefitting society through thoughtful long-term investment.
Alongside Meredith, there are six other students benefitting from Access RGU Scholarships this year.
Rebeka Szaboova is studying Business Management and is supported by The Budge Foundation.
Lorraine Budge said: "We are pleased to be able to support talented students from all walks of life to realise their full potential at RGU, and wish Rebeka all the best with her studies. Breaking down perceived barriers and creating opportunities for all is very much in keeping with the ethos of our charitable foundation."
Bill and Lorraine Budge created the foundation to help sustain the culture and traditions of Forres and its surrounding area, where Bill was born and raised, as well as Aberdeen where the couple live.
Management and Marketing student Jordan Young De Sa received the Barbara Rae Memorial Scholarship, supported by Canadian Natural Resources (CNR).
“On behalf of CNR International I would like to offer my congratulations to Jordan Young De Sa on being offered the Barbara Rae memorial scholarship,” said Barry Duncan, Vice President, Finance, CNR International. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this support to allow exceptional RGU students like Jordan to realise their potential.”
Canadian Natural Resources Limited is an independent oil and natural gas production company, based in Calgary, Alberta.
Ali Malik is supported by Anderson Anderson Brown and is studying Accountancy.
Anderson Anderson Brown is one of the leading independent firms of Chartered Accountants in Scotland. Its charitable initiative AABi was launched in 2016 and facilitates a number of investments in local communities.
Karen Stewart, Trustee of the AABi, said: "We are pleased to be able to support Ali through the AABi Access scholarship. He is an exceptional student and through the support that the scholarship offers we hope he will be able to achieve his ambitions in the accountancy profession. Through the financial support, mentoring and work experience offered by the scholarship we aim to give talented students from all backgrounds the ability to succeed."
Architectural Technology students Adam Bochenek, Kara Mutch and Scott Thomson are all supported by the Ina Scott Sutherland Scholarship.
The Ina Scott Sutherland Charitable Foundation’s commitment to create a scholarship for Scott Sutherland School of Architecture students represents almost 60 years of philanthropic support from the Scott Sutherland Family.
“We are extremely grateful to all those donors who have chosen to support widening access at RGU,” said the university’s Principal, Ferdinand von Prondzynski. “Through their generous support, they are creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds and demonstrating a commitment to future generations. We are committed to equality, inclusion and diversity on our campus. Breaking down perceived barriers to learning is a strategic priority for RGU.”
