Reading recognises contribution of its major donors
Release Date 16 July 2014
The University of Reading is delighted to launch its new College of Benefactors which celebrates the exceptional contribution made by its most generous donors.
At its launch, this prestigious new group consists of eight donors who have each given several hundred thousand pounds or more to the University. Members include individual givers John Nike OBE DL, Sir John Madejski and the late Professor Wallace Hirst and Mrs Muriel Hirst MBE. Organisations the Wolfson Foundation, the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), the British Land Company plc, SEGRO plc and CBRE make up the new College.
Their inauguration into the College recognises how their generosity has transformed the lives of students, from providing scholarships through to supporting the development of new buildings and the acquisition of the latest research equipment and technology.
The John Nike Scholarship has given world-class sporting talent the chance to study at Reading while providing them with the best chance of realising their dreams. Current John Nike scholar and Team GB international rower Adam Freeman-Pask is currently finishing a PhD in Biodiversity at the University of Reading.
Adam said: "The John Nike Scholarship has been hugely beneficial in allowing me to compete at the highest level. It has helped me purchase new equipment including a new set of oars, heart rate monitor and a GPS speed meter, which have enhanced my training and racing performance.
"The Scholarship support services at the SportsPark are world class. My flexibility and core strength have improved by attending the yoga and pilates classes as well as receiving nutritional and training advice from resident experts. The John Nike Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for any athlete to help take it to the next level and I am very grateful to have been a recipient."
Mrs Muriel Hirst has been associated with the University for more than 40 years, first working as a secretary in the Department of Cybernetics. Together with her husband the late Wallace Hirst, a professor of engineering, she initiated an annual scholarship enabling students from the developing world to study for a Master's degree in agriculture and international development or in renewable energy. To date, the University has welcomed twenty scholars. Many have gone on to take senior and influential roles in the development of their countries and credit Mrs Hirst with transforming their lives.
Sir John Madejski was installed as Chancellor of the University in 2007, the continuation of a distinguished relationship with the University. Sir John is patron of the John Madejski Centre for Reputation at the University's Henley Business School, and was also a supporter of the new Agriculture Building in 2000, after which the Madejski Theatre is named.
The ICMA Centre at the University of Reading was founded in 1991 through a unique collaboration between the University and the ICMA. In 2005 the ICMA supported the University with a £5 million gift to expand the Centre's teaching facilities and add new dealing and seminar rooms.
Martin Scheck, Chief Executive of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) said: "The ICMA Centre, Henley Business School has become one of the top business schools for financial markets and has played a key role in educating future market participants since its establishment in 1991. On behalf of our members at ICMA, we are indeed very pleased to have been able to contribute to the establishment of the ICMA Centre, which through education, shares our same commitment and objectives in raising standards in the international capital markets."
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, added: "Our donors make a huge difference to the lives of students, as well as to the University as a whole. Their generosity ensures that Reading continues to provide the very best student experience, as well as enabling us to continue with our cutting-edge research which is making a genuine difference to the world. We thank all of these donors for their exceptional support and welcome them to the College of Benefactors."
Find out how our College of Benefectors have contributed to the University
Discover more about donating to the University of Reading