Scholarship evening celebrates success

Students and their families gathered with Liverpool Hope staff at Hope Chapel on Thursday 16^th February to celebrate the scholarships the students have been awarded by the University.

Liverpool Hope offers a wide range of scholarships and awards to recognise outstanding achievement and ability. The event was an opportunity to honour those students who have shown exception talent.

Speaking at the event, University Vice Chancellor Professor Pillay, said: “This is a very special evening and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students amongst friends and family. Throughout our long history we have built our University on excellence and it is vital that we support our students to encourage them to succeed.” 

Mgr John Devine, Chair of the University Council, said: “These scholarships provide our students with the chance to discover their talents and flourish. It is an opportunity to have the best education with access to excellent facilities and scholars and I am sure our students will rise to the challenge.”

Amongst the honours were the Deans’ List Scholarships. These are awarded following recommendations from the Deans and recognise those students who have made the greatest contribution to their subject in the previous academic year.

Performance Scholarships were also awarded and are designed to support and enhance excellence in sport and the performing arts. Excellence Scholarships recognise academic achievement prior to joining Liverpool Hope University. Other students were awarded Foundation Scholarships following nomination from our partner/church schools and colleges. These scholarships are presented to students who the school or college believe have the ability to act as role models for others.

Natasha Zacharewski is studying Education and Dance and received an Excellence Scholarship. She said: “I was so pleased when I heard about the scholarship. It really made all the hard work during my A Levels worth it. It has also eased my mind about the cost of coming to University.”

Her mum, Granddad and Grandma had all travelled from West Bromwich to celebrate her scholarship. Her Grandma said: “We couldn’t be more proud of Natasha, it is wonderful.”

Study Abroad Scholarships, which allow UK students to study abroad as part of their degree, were presented alongside International Scholarships designed to give foreign students with high academic qualifications the opportunity to study at Liverpool Hope.

Mohammed Hamidu is originally from Nigeria and is studying an MA in Education. After receiving his International Scholarship. He said: “This scholarship means everything to me. Liverpool has become my second home and I couldn’t be more happy to be able to study at Liverpool Hope.”

The event concluded with the presentation of two special scholarships. The Alumni Arts Scholarship was awarded to Matthew Mortimer, a Fine Art student. This award is funded by the generosity of Hope Alumni and Friending of Hope who took part in the University’s inaugural Alumni Arts Exhibition 2011.

The Fr Louis Hanlon Scholarship was presented to Primary Teaching with Special Needs student Aoife Powell. This is awarded in memory of Fr Hanlon, the first principal of Christ’s College.

Aoife said: “I feel very honoured to receive the scholarship. It has definitely motivated me to work hard in my degree. The financial support has been invaluable in helping me get to placements which are such an important part of my degree.”