Scholars and donors celebrate Birkbeck’s bursaries
Students shared inspiring stories of lives transformed by studying and thanked donors for their support at Birkbeck’s annual Scholars’ Evening
Students shared inspiring stories of lives transformed by studying and thanked donors for their support at Birkbeck’s annual Scholars’ Evening. View a section of videos from the evening.
Bursary recipients emphasised how financial assistance has helped them achieve their ambitions, including pursuing new careers and gaining confidence. More than 150 attended the reception at the offices of law firm Clifford Chance in Canary Wharf on 25 July.
Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, spoke about the optimism and desire to learn shown by Birkbeck’s students, and thanked the donors for their “magnificent support.” He stressed that relatively small bursaries can provide the support needed for someone to study.
Professor Latchman also highlighted how it’s “never too late” to learn at Birkbeck and referred to a student who graduated recently with a Geography degree aged 101. He mentioned Birkbeck’s new campus in Stratford, which is to open this autumn, and spoke about the many different ways to support the College, including via mentoring schemes for current students.
Birkbeck donor, David Dangoor, who came to the UK from Iraq after primary school, described his family’s support for educational institutions, including Birkbeck. He said: “The nicest way to thank is to do the same for others. For us education was the passport to come here and make our lives here. We feel honoured to be part of the Birkbeck story.”
Students’ perspectives
Bursary recipient, Robin Snowden, is studying part-time for a BA in History. He added: “Receiving the bursary has been vital. I decided to come to Birkbeck because I wanted a practical education, wanted to be taught by the world’s leading historians, and study with mature students. I wanted to study with people who are dedicated and enthusiastic, and that is something I really admire about Birkbeck students. It has transformed my life.”
Tricia King, Pro-Vice-Master for Student Experience and Director of External Relations at Birkbeck, concluded the short speeches by emphasising the inspiring stories shared by bursary recipients throughout the evening, including from a refugee about to complete her degree, and a bartender now working at a major firm thanks to her degree.
Impact of bursaries
View a selection of videos from the evening, including the key speeches and some of our students discussing the impact of their donor-funded bursary.
You can also view a gallery of photos from the evening.
If you wish to make a donation to the student opportunity fund at Birkbeck to help ensure that, for students such as those featured in these videos, money is not a barrier to accessing a Birkbeck education, you may wish to donate online or, alternatively by contacting Kate Glennie, Development Manager at k.glennie@bbk.ac.uk or on 020 7380 3169.