10 July 2024
The University of Sunderland has been celebrating individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond through their generous support of the institution’s mission, with the launch of the University of Sunderland’s Circle of Benefactors, Chancellor's Circle.
The University of Sunderland has been celebrating individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond through their generous support of the institution’s mission, with the launch of the University of Sunderland’s Circle of Benefactors, Chancellor's Circle.
The Circle of Benefactors includes some of the University’s greatest champions whose donations have changed the very fabric of the institution.
This week, during the University’s annual graduation ceremonies, Colin Seccombe and Sue Winfield from The 1989 Willan Charitable Trust, Jo Curry MBE representing the Sir James Knott Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, John and Sam Dawson, and Helen McArdle CBE, were all inducted into the Chancellor’s Circle, the highest honour the University can bestow upon its supporters.
The Circle of Benefactors, Chancellor’s Circle, was launched earlier this summer at the University’s London’s summer awards ceremonies, when Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, received the award when the organisation became the first to be inducted into the Chancellor’s Circle. As well as recording the University’s admiration for their transformational gifts, all the inductions to the Circle provided great inspiration to the institution’s newest graduates as they begin their careers, whilst highlighting the power of philanthropy.
Sir David Bell KCB, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, 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.
“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.”
The University launched its first ever giving ‘Circle’ in 2021 and it has been a tremendous success. The Circles bring together groups of like-minded individuals and organisations who have made, or who plan to make, a significant philanthropic gift to the University of Sunderland.
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.