Graduations 2026: University recognises the generosity of one of its greatest supporters

Published on 14, January, 2026

The University of Sunderland has recognised one of its greatest champions for going ‘above and beyond’ by supporting the institution through their generous donations.

During its winter graduation ceremonies, the University inducted the Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust into its Circle of Benefactors, a group of individuals and organisations who, through philanthropy, have helped to change the fabric of the institution.

David Gray FRICS DL, Chairman of Trustees of The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust, represented the organisation as it was inducted into the Circle by Sir David Bell KCB DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland.

The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust has donated over £300,000 to the University, starting in 2013 when the Sir Tom Cowie Sunderland Award was set up to help students unlock their potential.

The award was discussed and implemented by Wearside-born entrepreneur Sir Tom Cowie shortly before his death in 2012. He believed passionately in the University’s mission of affording those with talent, regardless of background, the opportunity to enter higher education.

The award is open to full-time undergraduates at the University of Sunderland studying Arts, Business, Education, Engineering or Music programmes, who are at the end of their penultimate year of their studies and from the city of Sunderland.

Since its inception, the Sir Tom Cowie Sunderland Award has supported 27 scholars during their studies, including this year’s current scholars Accounting and Finance student Azman Mohammed and Modern Music Industries student Jake Judson.

>

The award is not the only legacy of Sir Tom Cowie at the University. In 2000, Sir Tom donated £1m to the construction of the Digital Media Centre at the University’s Campus at St. Peter’s. In recognition of Sir Tom’s impact and support of the University, St. Peter’s Campus was renamed The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s in 2002.

Sir David Bell said: “Philanthropy is life changing, and that ethos has never been more apparent than through the generosity of our Circle of Benefactors.  

“Our donors have made an investment in our institution, our people and in our collective ambition for excellence. It is through their support that they express their continued trust in our mission.  

“That is undoubtedly true of The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust, and I am delighted that we can recognise its generosity in this, our first set of graduation ceremonies to be held at The Fire Station in central Sunderland.

“It is an exciting time to be a donor as philanthropy is growing and playing a key role in many of the transformations at the University of Sunderland. Our future is brighter thanks to our incredibly generous supporters who champion our students through scholarships, research, and improved facilities. Recognising that publicly is therefore an important moment for the University.”

To find out more about philanthropic giving and volunteering at the University of Sunderland, contact the Development Office on 0191 515 3664 or development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.