Students, donors and academics came together on Wednesday 6 November to celebrate the generosity of those who support students at Imperial.

The Celebration of Student Support Event, Imperial’s flagship event honouring philanthropic giving towards student support, highlighted the significant impact philanthropy has in delivering our ambition to inspire, build and nurture the world’s most diverse STEMB student body.

Attendees gathered for a cheerful evening of socialising and connection building. Alumni and students swapped stories of their experiences at university, and guests discussed the importance of student support and the difference it makes to those on the receiving end.  

Financial pressures on students are increasing – the cost of living is skyrocketing but student loans are not keeping pace – and many students carry the heavy weight of money worries on their shoulders. Philanthropic support relieves these worries, allowing students to focus on their studies and make the most of the opportunities being an Imperial student affords them.

"Receiving a scholarship at Imperial is such a privilege,” says Adriano Oliveri Orioles, a Mathematics and Finance Master’s student who attended the event and is a recipient of the J.P. Morgan Scholarship in Quantitative Finance. “My path would look so different if it weren't for the scholarship I received – it has given me life-changing opportunities.

“Talking to donors at the event who give to student support has really inspired me to give back in the future. Hopefully one day I can also support the next generations of students."

The role of philanthropy in student success

During the event, guests heard from Peter Haynes, Interim Vice-President (Advancement) and Vice Provost (Education and Student Experience), who thanked donors for their generosity and discussed the vital role philanthropy is playing in Imperial’s strategy Science for Humanity. Science for Humanity seeks to attract, nurture and champion the brightest students, wherever they are, and to empower them with everything they need to make a meaningful difference.

One such student is Medicine undergraduate Yasmin Baker, who also gave a speech during the evening. She shared how the Imperial Bursary Fund gave her the opportunity to realise her dream of studying at Imperial, and spoke of the incredible opportunities being at Imperial has afforded her, including using learnings gained at university to set up her own non-profit organisation

Student support donor and alumnus Joyce Mak (MSc Management 2012) commented on the event: "It really brought to life the difference we can make by supporting students. I had a great time at Imperial, and appreciated how helpful the careers support team was, especially as I was finding my feet as a fresh graduate. By contributing monthly, I hope to pay it forward, so the next generations of students can access the opportunities I had.”

Turning students’ dreams of an Imperial education into reality  

Between 1 August 2023 and the end of July 2024, close to £5.5 million went towards student support, reflecting the incredible generosity of our donor community and their continued investment in Imperial. From scholarships to bursaries which provide vital financial assistance to Home Undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds, each year these donations lift financial barriers for thousands of students with the talent and aspiration to study at Imperial, enabling them to set themselves up for future success, wherever their lives take them. 

"I’m thrilled that we have established this wonderful event, where we can bring together donors, students and academic colleagues to celebrate the impact and importance of student support." Peter Haynes Interim Vice-President (Advancement) and Vice Provost (Education and Student Experience)

Those who volunteer and give their expertise and time also make a positive difference to our students lives. Between 2023-24, over 1,200 alumni volunteers spent over 13,200 hours of their time contributing their skills and experience across a range of activities and programmes. This includes providing access to recruitment and work experience opportunities and offering invaluable guidance through the Imperial Mentoring Scheme, which connects current students with alumni who provide support with personal and professional growth.

Peter Haynes, Interim Vice-President (Advancement) and Vice Provost (Education and Student Experience), says: “I’m thrilled that we have established this wonderful event, where we can bring together donors, students and academic colleagues to celebrate the impact and importance of student support. 

“Our students work incredibly hard to join Imperial, and these gifts allow them to succeed when they feel like their dreams are slipping away. This type of support enables students from all backgrounds to not only walk through our doors, but also make the most of the opportunities available to them when they’re here.

“There has never been a more impactful moment to give in support of Imperial students as we come together as a community to realise the ambitions laid out in our strategy. I speak on behalf of our students and the whole Imperial community when I say we are profoundly grateful to all who have chosen to give in this way.” 

If you would like to find out more about giving towards student support at Imperial, visit: www.imperial.ac.uk/giving/