Philanthropy plays a vital role in opening doors to opportunity at the University of Derby. Through the generosity of our donors, alumni and partners, we are empowering students, advancing research and supporting the University’s ambitious growth. We extend our sincere thanks to all who have shared our commitment to opening doors by donating or giving their time and expertise to the University this year.
- Opening doors to opportunity
- Scholarships and prizes
- Research
- The Cavendish Building
Opening doors to opportunity
Opening Doors campaign
This year, the University has launched its Opening Doors campaign, an exciting initiative designed to generate support for our students, researchers and wider university community.
In two exclusive events - the first hosted by Chancellor of the University, Lord Burlington and the second hosted by Deputy Chair of the University's Business School Council, David Boutcher - a small group of alumni, partners and supporters heard about the University’s ambitions to deliver a transformational experience for our students, alumni and wider region, and were asked to consider how they might open doors to opportunity for our students. We were thrilled to receive offers of guest lectures, work experience opportunities and more, and are hugely grateful for the support from those who attended.
Major donation for care-experienced students within the School of Nursing
The School of Nursing has received a donation of £100,000 to support care-experienced students. The gift was made in honour of former nurse Jean Robertson by her family, who wanted to ensure students who have left care are able to pursue their passion for nursing and achieve their potential.
Students who have experienced the care system often face a number of personal and financial barriers to entering and succeeding in higher education. This donation will ensure that a great number of care-experienced nursing students will have the opportunity to thrive and unlock their full potential here at Derby for many years to come, and the University is delighted to be able to honour Jean in this way.
Scholarships and prizes
Drop-down: Biomedical Science Excellence Scholarship
The University launched the Biomedical Science Excellence Scholarship in September 2024 and awarded it to its first two students, Divine Alimasunya and Nneoma Michael.
Dedicated to loved ones lost to cancer, the scholarship was first conceived by alumna Mandip to support academically excellent MSc Biomedical Science students through a reduction in tuition fees and expenses towards attending a conference.
Mandip was inspired to establish the scholarship in memory of her former teacher, and says:
“We hope his legacy will inspire future generations and enrich the lives of many, with the overall aim of providing an innovative, creative approach to global health and to improving life expectancy around the world.”
We were delighted to introduce scholarship donors to Divine and Nneoma as well as Dr Sebastian Moret, Deputy Head of Biomedical and Forensic Science, and Dr Vadivel Parsarathy, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, during a tour of the new Bioscience SuperLab whilst under construction.
“Being selected for the 2024-25 Biomedical Science Scholarship means a lot to me, as it not only eases the financial burden of my studies, but also motivates me to work harder to contribute to the improvement of global healthcare. I truly appreciate the donors who made this opportunity possible.” - Divine Alimasunya
The Sitwell Scholarship
The Sitwell Scholarship has been awarded for a second year and has this year supported an additional student. Bethany Charlton (MA Fine Arts) and James Greenwood (MA History) each received a scholarship, thanks to the generosity of the Sitwell Family of Renishaw Hall Charitable Trust via Foundation Derbyshire.
Originally founded by Sir Reresby Sitwell and now continued by his daughter Mrs Alexandra Sitwell, the £1,600 annual award recognises postgraduate Arts and Humanities students from Derbyshire for their personal journey, passion and commitment to their discipline.
Minerals Engineering Society Student Awards
In the run-up to its closure in 2020, the Trustees of the Minerals Engineering Society (MES) decided to donate the Society’s assets to the University of Derby, to provide a legacy to promote and support students within the UK’s minerals industry. In September 2024, John Austin, Senior Lecturer in Mineral Products Technology Science and Engineering, and James Thorne, Chief Executive of the Institute of Quarrying (IoQ), hosted the second MES Awards at the University's Enterprise Centre. The event highlighted the students' hard work, dedication and innovative thinking, bringing together students, employers and former MES members to recognise the Society’s legacy.
First-year students showcased poster projects about contemporary issues in the minerals industry, including inclusive PPE and the impact of the menstrual cycle on work performance. These outstanding students, Alex Gibb, Bradley Green, Georgia Avery, Harry Mackenzie, Laiba Laiba, and Ryan Beaven, were awarded first prize as a reward for their enthusiasm and expertise in addressing real-world challenges.
Patrick "Paddy" Beardsley, working with Rotherham Sand and Gravel, was awarded second prize and recognised for his determination to pursue higher education after a gap in formal learning. Third prize was awarded to Paula Millward for her exceptional academic achievements, overcoming personal and professional challenges and graduating with distinction in Asphalt and Pavements.
Brian Everitt, a former member of the Minerals Engineering Society, said:
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of this event. The technical and poster presentations were excellent and a credit to all the students who participated. Our thanks go to the University of Derby – Centre for Mineral Products, who must have had a difficult task in selecting the winners for the MES Outstanding Achievement Award from a cohort of obviously very capable students.”
Research
In addition to research proposals submitted by the Innovation and Research department, donations from individuals have also supported our academics’ work. This year, the University received support for Professor Mark Faghy’s research investigating recovery patterns in patients with Long Covid.
The Cavendish Building
The University received significant philanthropic support for the new Cavendish Building from key supporters, including The Duke of Devonshire’s Charitable Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation, adding to that already received in the previous year from Brian Ashby (Derbyshire entrepreneur) and John Booth CVO.
Our thanks also go to members of the Business School Council, who continued to volunteer their time to provide strategic direction and oversight for the project.
