Each year, we are humbled by the generosity of Ulster University graduates and supporters and as we reach the end of yet another challenging year, we reflect on the amazing support we have received from our donors. This support really does transform lives.
Sadly, COVID-19 continues to exacerbate the inequalities in our society. We have seen an increasing need from our students for financial support and with our donors’ help we have been able to meet this need. We were delighted to launch the Belfast Community Scholarships this year, supporting 42 students from disadvantaged backgrounds starting Ulster in September 2021. Without the scholarships, these students would not otherwise have had the same access to higher education.
We are delighted that the Student Opportunity Fund continues to grow and we are particularly proud of two of our Sporting Talent Scholars, Danielle Hill and Jack McMillan, who swam at the Tokyo Olympics in the summer. It was an incredible achievement for them, providing memories to cherish.
Another exciting and proud moment came in September when the Ulster University School of Medicine opened its doors to our first cohort of students. Through donations from corporate and individual donors, we were able to support 10 students, removing financial barriers which may have prevented them from otherwise following their dream of becoming a doctor. And following a successful public appeal, we were able to gift each new medical student with their first stethoscope. We were also delighted to announce the Randox Professor of Medicine which will provide educational and research leadership, teaching to inspire the next generation of doctors and researchers.
For more on the impact of the donations received from our graduates and supporters, you can read the latest edition of our Donor Impact newsletter.
We know that the need for support will be greater than ever in the coming years and so we are deeply grateful to our supporters for their generosity. Every donation is helping us to transform lives and improve health for all through cutting-edge research and interventions.
For all of that we say “Thank-you”.