Dovecot Reception: Celebrating
student awards and scholarships
F
RIENDS AND GRADUATES of
QMU joined staff and students for
a reception at Dovecot Studios
in Edinburgh in October. The event
celebrated the success of over 40
students and graduates who received
scholarships and awards in 2017-18.
The evening was an opportunity to
celebrate the scholarships, awards and
student projects made possible through
the support of generous donors.
Funding comes from individual donors
and organisations including Santander
Universities, Alzheimer Scotland and
Apex Hotels, as well as from individuals
who have donated to the University’s
Vice-Chancellor’s Fund and Student
Development Fund.
Together, this support does so much
to provide students with opportunities
that build their confidence, broaden their
horizons and extend their academic
attainment. Funding also prevents
financial constraints from limiting
students’ potential. Ultimately, it enables
students to make the most of their time at
QMU and to make a difference with the
skills they are taught.
QMU’s Principal, Professor Petra Wend,
said: “The University is grateful for the
continued support of organisations,
individuals and QMU graduates, which
greatly enhances the experience of
those students who receive funding.
Awards and scholarships like this enrich
students’ academic experience, build
their confidence, broaden their horizons
and allow them make a real contribution
to their field or to serving society’s needs.
She continued: “This is the fifth
consecutive year that we have hosted
a reception at Dovecot Studios and it’s
a real pleasure to take our partnership
from strength to strength and to see QMU
graduates remaining at the forefront of the
Dovecot’s event management activity.”
Student Jessica
Hao received
her award
from Norman
Springford of
Apex Hotels
Guests heard just how much of a
difference this type of funding makes
from Ellie Higgins. Ellie recently graduated
with a first class honours in Drama and
Performance from QMU. She received
Santander Mobility funding to attend the
DC Living Lab held in Antwerp, which
gives creative students the opportunity
to work hands-on in an international
team. They have the chance to work on
a concrete business or societal related
challenge, and to be inspired by world
renowned innovation and creativity
experts. allowed me to use all the skills I had
gained through my degree and apply them
in real life, which went so much better
than any of us could have imagined. We
can’t wait to continue our work. We had
such an amazing experience performing
what we love, and also received a five star
review from Edinburgh Culture Review.”
Ellie addressed the audience of 100
guests, stating: “As a new graduate, a
huge hurdle in progressing independent
work is managing to find funding. It
was fantastic to have a helping hand
in making the transition from university
to professional theatre. The experience If you would like to help support students
like Ellie then please go to our online
giving page https://www.qmu.ac.uk/
alumni-and-friends/opportunities-to-give/
our-funds/ or contact Heather Edie on
E: [email protected] ❒
Ellie was also the first recipient of the
Robert Kemp Memorial Award, which
provides funding for a final year student
in the creative industries to take their
work to a festival or event. Ellie and her
theatre company, Clocked on Theatre,
took their production of ‘All Out Of Time’
to the Edinburgh Fringe.
She continued: “The opportunities
I’ve had as a QMU student are really
incredible. I could not be more grateful
to have received funding to take part
in them. Funding is so important for
students to allow us to learn and grow,
and to understand more about the
world and our careers. Both of these
experiences I’ve had this year wouldn’t
have been possible without the Robert
Kemp Memorial Award and Santander
funding. I’d like to thank them both so
much, I could not have wished for a better
start to my life after university.”
QMYOU / Supporting Student Development
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