Celebrating those who are giving back

Published on 17, May, 2025

The University of Sunderland has been celebrating the contributions of its donors and volunteers at its Donor and Volunteer Appreciation event.

This annual event recognises the vital role supporters have played in the success of students through their generosity and commitment. 

This year alone donors have sponsored 108 students with more than £345,000 and volunteers have given back more than 125 hours.

The Donor and Volunteer Appreciation event welcomed sixty guests, including donors, volunteers, university staff, scholars, friends of the University, and the University’s Chancellor, business leader Leanne Cahill. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the institution’s current initiatives and the real-life impact of their support. 

Over the last year, philanthropic support has led to the founding of the Kate Adie Collection, the Future Care Commission, the Here for the Holidays campaign to support students over Christmas, and a series of free cinema screenings at the University's new cinema, open to the general public. 

Guests at the Donor and Volunteer Appreciation event were divided into groups for guided tours of key facilities, showcasing student projects and technological innovations.

Highlights of the tour included the newly refurbished cinema, offering a glimpse into the world of film via an RTS award-winning student film; the TV studios and Spark Radio facilities, highlighting the University’s thriving media environment. An interactive session was led by the University’s resident robots with insights into the working of 3D printers, in our Faculty of Technology and Business.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell and his wife Lady Bell presented a new award as part of the event, the Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement Award.

This award is designed to acknowledge those students who live the University's ‘life-changing’ values and go above and beyond either through academic excellence, meaningful impact in their communities, leading by example and inspiring others.

The very first Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement Award went to Rowhyn Gallagher, a first-year student paramedic who earlier this year put his life-saving training into action after two hikers were caught in an avalanche in the Cairngorms in Scotland.

Sir David said: “Having demonstrated a high level of skill and professionalism in what can only be described as a very unique and challenging environment, we are all incredibly proud of his efforts and I am delighted to recognise Rowhyn in this way.”

The University’s Chancellor Leanne Cahill joined a panel discussion and Q&A, sharing her reflections on the community’s collective achievements and her interest in giving back through her Chancellor’s Scholarship and through mentoring students.

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She said: “I did a placement while I was at university, and I found that having someone to point out my potential and help broaden my horizons was incredibly valuable. They showed me examples of where my skills could take me and emphasised that these opportunities were accessible to me. I eventually discovered this on my own but having that support early on was really helpful.

“Different people need different types of guidance, but I believe this is a common theme for many who are starting their careers.”

To find out more about the scholarship opportunities made possible for students through philanthropy, or if you are alumni from the University who may be interested in giving back their time and expertise, please get in touch with the Alumni and Development team at development.office@sunderland.ac.uk