Thank you, for a lifetime of opportunities
Thanks to our supporters, students at Leeds are able to secure the future they've always dreamed of.
This year, 183 more students will be taking their first steps at Leeds, thanks to the overwhelming support we received for student scholarships over the summer.
A gift of a scholarship makes a lifetime of difference to our students, who may come from low-income households or single-parent families. Some may have caring responsibilities, or have been in care themselves. You give them the support they need to fulfil their potential, during their time at Leeds and beyond.
To demonstrate that impact, I am really pleased to be able to share with you the story of Eniola and Peter.
10 years after graduating, scholarship recipient Eniola reflected on her time at Leeds and what she had achieved since she graduated. She regretted that she never got to thank her donor for giving her the skills, support and opportunities which have been instrumental to her success.
Reaching out to her donor Peter by email, she was finally able to thank him for all he did for her.
I will leave you to read more about Eniola and Peter's story and just how life-changing the gift of a scholarship can be, thanks to the support of our donors.
Thank you,
Jessica Mifsud-Bonnici
Senior Development Manager (Regular and Leadership Giving)
University of Leeds
"I'm so grateful for the lifetime of opportunities you gave me.”
Eniola
After losing her father, it became difficult for Eniola's mother to support her and her brothers. The family moved from Nigeria to the UK in search of better opportunities.
Eniola and her brothers all had dreams of going to university, which would create an incredible financial burden for her mother, which she'd have to shoulder alone.
Thanks to Peter, she was awarded a scholarship which began her journey at Leeds.
Since graduating from Leeds with a first class MEng in Medical Engineering, Eniola’s journey has taken her career from strength to strength, including starting her own business, something she feels would not have been possible without the gift of a scholarship.
My scholarship enabled me to focus on my studies and contribute towards medical research during my time at Leeds. I also attended networking events where I met other scholars and donors, like Peter. These meetings played such a huge part in my personal and professional development. I have been able to draw valuable lessons from those experiences.”
10 years on, Eniola reached out to Peter to thank him for making a lifetime of difference. For Peter, hearing from Eniola reminded him why it’s important to give students the same opportunities he had.
“Hearing of Eniola’s achievements and future career ambitions has been truly inspiring.”
Peter
I have supported students now for over a decade. As someone who has been very fortunate in life, I feel it’s my responsibility to help others. I was completely delighted to hear from Eniola after all these years – thanking me, for helping her to make a difference. Not just in her own life, but the lives of others.”
Thank you for supporting student wellbeing
Over 900 students have participated in wellbeing and fitness classes through our Lifestyle and Wellbeing programme thanks to your support
Gifts from our supporter community enable us to run a 12-week collaborative holistic Lifestyle and Wellbeing Programme, equipping students who access it with the motivation, skills and confidence to continue making positive choices contributing to their overall health and wellbeing.
This programme provides counselling and advice on health and disabilities for any students who may be struggling during their time at Leeds, helping them to cope with any challenging personal circumstances.
This is in addition to a number of exercise, fitness and wellbeing classes offered such as yoga and pilates. Many students have reported that as a result of these services, they have seen a significant improvement in their mental and physical health and built the confidence they need to help them achieve their goals.
A happier, healthier student sets them on the right path to success.
Thank you for supporting students every step of the way
Students have received 975 hours of support from services including the Plus Programme thanks to gifts from our donors
The Plus Programme at Leeds offers support and advice to students from lesser-represented backgrounds to help them progress and achieve success during their time at Leeds and beyond.
As well as careers and academic advice, students are encouraged to attend social events organised by the programme and participate in a range of activities to help build their confidence, meet like-minded people and provide them with a sense of belonging so they can thrive at Leeds
The Plus Programme is available to all those that qualify for a scholarship – even if we are not always able to award all students. Therefore, the generous support we receive for scholarships goes beyond helping a select group of scholars by impacting the hundreds of students that engage with the Plus Programme each year.
Your Legacy, our future
Making a will is one of the most important things you will ever do. By including a gift to the University in your will, you can help us to nurture people, generate ideas and make discoveries which will change the world for the better.
“My scholarship continues to play a huge part in my success. It has completely changed my life.”
Eniola
Please give today
Every scholarship you help to give is a life-changing chance for one more student.
Why give a regular gift by direct debit?
By choosing to give regularly by direct debit, you will help us to;
- Look to the future and ensure that more students like Eniola can be provided with a scholarship.
- Be bold in our approaches to the increasing demand for support and flexible to meet students’ changing needs. Whether that’s to support their wellbeing, academic achievement or even career aspirations.
You’ll join a community of almost 2,000 alumni and supporters who are behind students like Eniola every step of the way. From taking up their place at Leeds, all the way through to the day they don their graduation gown and take steps into their careers.
Share your advice to help students create a lifetime of opportunities
Built with Shorthand