On 22 February, the University of Westminster hosted an in-person Scholarship Celebration Event that honoured and recognised the achievements of the University’s scholars and the generosity of their dedicated funders.
The event took place at Westminster’s Marylebone Campus in the Robin Evans Room and saw a range of scholarship recipients, donors, colleagues and friends of the University join together to find out more about the ways in which scholarships are transforming the scholars’ university experience.
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising, kicked off the evening with his words of thanks and explained that for many, university can feel out of reach, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis. He added that, with the valuable support scholarships can offer, students can reduce their part-time working hours to dedicate themselves more fully to their studies and access the extracurricular activities, graduating as a more well-rounded graduate in a competitive graduate market.
This was followed by a talk from Charles Begg on behalf of the Whiteley Community Foundation, which offers scholarships to low-income students in the Bayswater and surrounding area. The scholarship was one of the first initiatives set up by the Foundation and is currently supporting two Westminster students with £10,000 each annually, helping remove financial barriers to their academic success and employability.
Next up was Westminster Software Engineering (Conversion) MSc student and Netcompany scholarship recipient Marta Unterschute. Netcompany is an IT service company that delivers business-critical strategic IT projects which accelerate customers’ digital transformation through digital platforms, core systems and infrastructure services. Their scholarship is awarded to one female scholar each year to support their work elevating women in software engineering.
During her talk Marta expressed her thanks and explained how the scholarship had made a “profound impact” on her life, as without it she would not have the financial means to focus on her studies.
About the scholarship she said: "I am honoured to be selected as the Netcompany Postgraduate Scholar. This opportunity will be a catalyst for my academic and professional growth. With the financial support of Netcompany, I can now reduce my working hours which will allow me to delve deeper into my studies to fulfil my full potential as a software engineer. This benefit will also grant me the time to collaborate with my fellow students and participate in mentorship and employability events, thus elevating my professional future."
After the speakers had finished, scholars had the chance to network, where they got to find out more about the companies, individuals and grant-making trusts supporting them and make valuable connections. The evening was soundtracked by music from former Music students who have previously received the Richard Antwi Scholarship.
Jordan Scammell said: “It was so wonderful to bring our scholars and funders together to celebrate and recognise the impact of philanthropy and the positive difference it can make to those students who need the support the most. It was also great to see our scholars making the most of the opportunity to meet and engage with our external supporters to thank them in person and share their academic achievements to date. A huge thanks to everyone for the difference their support is making to our students.”
The University’s scholarship programmes contribute towards the Quality Education (4), Gender Equality (5) and Reduced Inequalities (10) development goals of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by the University of Westminster to help make the University a more sustainable, responsible and inclusive place to live, work and study.
To find out how you or your company can support other scholars like Marta, email Jordan Scammell or visit the donation page on the website.
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