Events management students from Robert Gordon University (RGU) are heading into the summer sunshine beaming with pride, after raising a significant amount of money for a number of local good causes.
Third and fourth year students organised a range of different cultural activities over the past month, as part of the Aberdeen Student Festival and The Main Event respectively.
The Main Event saw nine groups of students work closely with a charity each to create an event which was not part of its normal events calendar, but still adhered to their brand and principles.
Not only did the students get to put their learning to practical use, while engaging with industry, but by creating event templates, the organisations in question can continue to organise and run the events annually in the future.
This year’s Main Event students were able to raise a total of over £14,000 for the following charities: The Archie Foundation, Cornerstone, Inspire, Marie Curie, Diabetes UK, Erskine, Sue Ryder, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, and Dates-n-Mates.
Dr Rachael Ironside, lecturer in events management at RGU’s School of Creative and Cultural Business, said: “This year’s students have put on an incredible range of events for their charities and I could not be more proud of their efforts.
“I am sure the funds will go a long way to helping these fantastic causes and that after this experience putting their skills to use in a professional context, our soon-to-be-graduates will be leading the way in the events management industry.”
While the stage four students were completing their activities, their third year counterparts were busily working to create a weekend of events for the Aberdeen Student Festival.
The multi-arts festival, which celebrated different aspects of culture through the ages, raised over £3,000 for charity partners The Leanne Fund and The Music Hall Transformation.
Aberdeen Performing Arts public giving campaign manager, Charlotte Farmer, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in organising such an imaginative and vibrant festival. It’s been wonderful to be given the chance to work alongside the students.
“As 2018 is the Year of Young People, and the Music Hall transformation will be reaching fruition by the end of the year, we are delighted to dedicate a seat in the new Music Hall to the students as a lasting thank you for their generosity and the part they have played in the project.”