University of Reading says a big thank you to its donors
Release Date 19 April 2011
The University of Reading held its 5th Annual Donor Day recently, to thank those who generously donate to the University.
Over 200 guests including alumni, corporate sponsors, students and staff, participated in a hugely successful day, kindly sponsored by Haslams Chartered Surveyors, that celebrated those who help make the University one of the top 200 universities in the world.
Donors learnt how their generosity supports the wide range of academic and extra-curricular projects across campus, and the essential financial support for students who would otherwise not be able to consider a University education. Guests also learnt about some of the cutting-edge research undertaken at Reading.
Guests viewed various exhibitions including a display from the University's Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC). There was a demonstration of KTC's partnership with Guide Dogs, which is developing technology to complement existing mobility aids that will help blind and partially sighted people.
John Shelton, Technology Development Manager at Guide Dogs said: "Guide Dogs is pleased to be working with the University of Reading on this important KTP project. Combining the University's expertise with Guide Dogs sector knowledge has already started to show promising results which could potentially have a wider pan-disability application."
The University's National Centre for Language and Literacy showcased its impressive collection of over 18,000 trade and education publications published during the last five years.
Brian Eavis (Agriculture, 1962) said: "Seeing what is happening on the territory I occupied 50 years ago, and knowing that my donations are providing some help have been the notable highlights of Donor Day. One exhibit that stood out for me was the colourful array of children's books displayed by the National Centre for Language and Literacy. This is a fantastic resource for teachers and, as I have previously worked for the Ministry of Overseas Development, it is great to see that they are working to publish literature in so many countries."
Professor Doug Saddy from the Department of Clinical Language Sciences gave a fascinating talk on the latest ground- breaking interdisciplinary work on neuroscience, leadership and decision-making at the University of Reading's Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics.
The University of Reading's Development Office has actively been fundraising for over seven years. Since 2004, over 5000 individuals have generously made donations, from single gifts of £50 to regular monthly donations and remembering the University in their Will. Over £25 million has been raised for academic posts, innovative teaching projects and providing financial support for students. Guests had an opportunity to see how their contributions make a real difference to current students, at the exhibition, and also through hearing from bursary and scholarship recipients.
Archaeology PhD student and bursary recipient Courtney Nimura talked about her research into rock art in Scandinavia, and how the bursary she has received has helped her focus on her studies and develop an impressive extra-curricular portfolio.
Trevor Coombs (Archaeology, 2007): "It was great to meet the bursary recipient and Archaeology PhD student Courtney Nimura, and hear about her work researching Rock Art in Scandinavia. I am pleased that I am able to support the ongoing work of Silchester where I excavated for 10 years."
Sports Scholar Dan McKay and Reading Rockets Chairman Gary Johnson shared experiences and explained the close relationship between Reading Rockets, one of the largest and increasingly successful basketball clubs in England and the University. Elite sportsman Dan McKay is the recipient of a Sports Scholarship which is funded by donations.
June Hester (Psychology, 1947) said: "It has been so interesting to hear what is going on at the University now. It was fascinating to hear from Dan Mackay, a sports scholar. Hearing how he balances a degree alongside playing basketball at such a high level is incredible, and it is clear that he is so grateful for the scholarship he has received to make this possible."
To contact the University of Reading Development Office please call 0118 378 8006 or e-mail annualfund@reading.ac.uk
Ends