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Fab five celebrate cash boost as UEL supporters reward exciting new research

Thursday 30 September 2010

Professor Patrick McGhee at the Annual Fund Award Ceremony

UEL research students have been awarded grants totalling more than £10,000 at the University’s first Annual Fund Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 29 September.

The five students each received research grants of £2,000 from the UEL Annual Fund after successfully demonstrating the importance, relevance and potential benefits of their work to University benefactors.

Recipient Christian van Nieuwerburgh was awarded a research grant to support his analysis of the impact of coaching on the development and career progression of aspiring school leaders from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Christian said: "I plan on using the grant to employ a research assistant. This dedicated support will allow me to undertake high-quality research and submit academic articles for publication."

The event, which took place at UEL’s Docklands campus, was jointly hosted by UEL patron Baroness Prosser of Battersea, and University Vice-Chancellor Patrick McGhee, and was attended by hundreds of UEL supporters and donors.

Baroness Prosser said: “I’m quite overwhelmed at the sheer breadth of the diversity of the work being conducted at UEL. This is extremely important research that, ultimately, can benefit not only local people but the public at large.

"I am absolutely delighted to be able to acknowledge the diligence, determination and endeavour of our students through the award of these highly-deserved research grants."

Professor McGhee said: "UEL aims to be a truly enterprising, international university bringing transformational opportunities to individuals, communities and businesses in our region, through diversity, partnership and excellence in teaching and research".

"We are very grateful to the friends and champions of UEL, whose contributions, both financial and in kind, are vital to help us achieve this vision."

The event was also attended by special guest Kate Hunter, Executive Director of Case Europe, a British organisation which recently launched a campaign to help promote charitable giving to higher education.

"I’m delighted to be here to underline the importance of giving, encouraging universities and donors to work together to build a meaningful culture of philanthropy in higher education."

In addition to the research grants UEL benefactors also awarded five Student Hardship Grants valued at £500.

Recipient Toni Chalmers said: "The Student Hardship Grants are a fantastic initiative. It can be very hard working part-time, studying and looking after my child. The grant will go towards helping me complete my studies so I can further my career and go on to do what I want with my life."

As well as supporting these grants, the UEL Annual Fund is also supporting the new Sports and Academic Complex at the Docklands Campus, and a new library at the Stratford Campus.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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