S 2 pring 201 The magazine for Reading donors MATTERS Securing our future Meet the New Grantham Chair in Climate Science As the University’s new Vice-Chancellor, Meet the staff donors it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Many people who work at the University have been this edition of Giving Matters. Since arriving in inspired to make a donation to the Annual Fund. January, it has been heartening to discover the central role that philanthropy plays at Reading ‘We all benefit directly or indirectly from the and the difference your support makes to the generosity of those who give to the University and, as someone who is often involved in University. I would like to thank you as each and meeting actual or potential donors, I am much every gift is transforming lives both on campus more comfortable asking others to give when they can see from my “Pioneer” badge that I and, through our talented staff and students, myself support the University in this way.’ around the world. Professor Tony Downes, The Annual Fund has now raised in excess of £3 million. Deputy Vice-Chancellor This is an extraordinary achievement that has only been possible through the generosity of thousands of our ‘I’m lucky to have taught, learned from and alumni, staff and friends. In the pages that follow, you will worked with some amazing students at the University of Reading; likewise, I’m surrounded find stories from a selection of the many students and by colleagues who care about what they do projects that gifts to the Annual Fund have supported. and the people with whom they do it. I donate to the University for two reasons: to say thanks This edition also draws attention to Reading’s global and, perhaps in some small way, to create an impact as a university. We have recently announced opportunity for someone else to enjoy the creation of the Grantham Chair in Climate Science such luck.’ – a new professorship funded by philanthropists Jeremy Dr Martha-Marie Kleinhans, Faculty Director, and Hannelore Grantham. This post is one of a series of Teaching and Learning, (Social Sciences) appointments which will help to secure Reading’s place as the leading academic centre for weather and climate ‘I support RUBC because I see first-hand research in the world. how hard our students train both on the Closer to home, Sir John Madejski, our Chancellor, reflects water and at the gym and they do all this while in full-time education. I am very aware that the on his long involvement as a supporter of the University. quality of a degree is boosted by the quality of He discusses the importance of philanthropy, and why the extra things you have done while a student. he continues to be inspired by the University of Reading. Rowing sets students up for the dedication, commitment and hard work needed to have On a personal note, I am very pleased to have joined a successful career.’ you as a donor to the University. Becoming a Reading Pioneer is an expression of my personal commitment Will Rand, BSc Environmental Science of the to advancing all aspects of our work. I am also delighted Earth and Atmosphere 1998; Director of Rowing, Reading University Boat Club (RUBC) to introduce five further members of staff who have chosen to make a regular gift to the University. ‘As a student and member of staff, I see all Thank you once again on behalf of everyone at the around me what a great difference the Annual University of Reading who benefits from your generous Fund makes. Like me, many students I know would not have had the opportunities they support. Your continuing commitment to our work is have received, or even have been able to attend very much appreciated. university, without the support of our alumni.’ Lizzi Hollis, BA Ancient History and Archaeology 2011; Archaeology Masters student and Annual Fund Officer Sir David Bell KCB, Vice-Chancellor ‘I have witnessed how the student experience has been enhanced through projects that have been set up from the Annual Fund. The RED Award, which was funded by donations, has definitely developed students’ employability skills; students regularly tell me that they have been able to get jobs or work experience directly because of their experiences through the RED Award.’ Vicky Clarke, BA Philosophy 2008; Student Development and Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award Officer 2 | Did you know? £54,000 raised from University staff | 3 Supporting excellence Generous Annual Fund donors Why giving matters supported 17 students from the Transforming lives Reading University Boat Club (RUBC) to travel to Moscow for the How philanthropy has made a difference to the lives 7th European University Sports of many students, both local and international. around the world… Association Rowing Championships ‘The University of Reading last year. All returned with a medal and its students are a very – bronze, silver or gold! Particularly worthy cause of support. I was Maurice Mantchombe and Enford impressive given that the fortunate to receive a Felix Kanyimbo are studying for an MSc event had almost 400 Scholarship, and even 12 years in Applied Development Studies competitors from 14 later, I have no hesitation in at Reading. Their life-changing countries and over saying that the year I spent at education has been made possible ‘I donate because my time at Reading 50 universities. Reading was the best of my life.’ thanks to the Marshal Papworth was one of the best experiences in my Discover more Srinivas ‘Cheenie’ Chillara, Foundation which provides life, both academically and socially. about Annual MSc Information Systems scholarships to educate overseas I was hugely impressed by the warmth Fund projects Engineering 1999 agricultural students at the University. of my fellow students and professors, on page 6 the activities in the Students’ Union and Maurice: This scholarship in the halls – the Christmas formal dinner has allowed me to expand my at Wantage Hall was definitely a night knowledge of different agricultural to remember!’ practices which will play a great role Recruiting in my life once I return to Malawi. I will international talent Stefania Loria, visiting student, English be regarded as an international expert Meet Professor Ted and American Literature 1990 ‘I consider it a great privilege to who will be able to give advice to the Shepherd – the leading be able to donate. The University people in my local community. scientist who has moved of Reading provided a firm across the Atlantic to foundation for my career and Enford: Reading is a world-class take the role of Grantham life, and my gift is a small way University which provides very Chair in Climate Research of conveying my gratitude. The focused tuition and I am very at the University of University needs every help from proud to be associated with this Reading. Page 12 its alumni to support its students.’ institution. My education will assist farming and development in Malawi See Lian Ong, BSc Quantity enormously, and I am so grateful Surveying 1974, Reading Pioneer for this opportunity. ‘Supporting the University is my way of celebrating memories of a truly fine year Victoria (Viki) Wicks is realising her of my life, complete with dream of studying for a BA in Business and excellent teaching, meeting Management at the Henley Business School, University of Reading, thanks to really nice people, and A personal the support of an Alumni Bursary. having a wonderful time. thank you My favourite memory? One Hirst Scholar ‘We donate regularly to help I suffered with a benign leg tumour grand English gentleman.’ Abigail Abdulai from give others the opportunity at school which affected my studies. Northern Ghana Ellen Gay Baker, visiting to benefit from a University I also come from a school where a low was one of the many student, English 1957 of Reading education as we percentage of pupils carry on to university. students who thanked did many years ago. One of the Despite this, it only pushed me to work supporters at this year’s special student experiences was harder and I came out top of my class at Donor Day. Page 10 the opportunity to form lasting GCSEs and friendships with students from a A levels. I am incredibly grateful for the A lasting legacy range of disciplines. As far as our support I have received; without it I may Read how our students favourite memory is concerned, not have been able to continue my are set to contribute Reading is where we met – need education at this level. I have been in very to conserving the we say more?’ good hands through visiting, applying to, MBA dream realised wonders of the and studying at the University of Reading Donors from the Madagascan landscape Dr Bryan Hacker, BSc Agriculture – the financial aid offered by Reading Henley Business School thanks to one generous and Botany 1960 and Jenny Hacker, was by far the best and I am having the support talented South legacy. Page 15 BSc Geology 1961, Blandford time of my life. All I can say is thank you! African student, Noxolo Club members For further information please contact Hlongwane, through Becki Mckinlay, [email protected] her MBA. Page 14 4 | We have more than 6,000 donors in 70 countries Did you know? | 5 Enhancing the student experience Your donations have supported more than 80 projects that will benefit students at Reading, both now and in the future. Here are just some of the ways in which you have made a positive difference to the student experience across campus.