Thanks to You; Social Media Series 2023

Date: November 2023

1st - 23rd November 2023: Messages of Gratitude and Thankfulness

It is the start of our 2023 'Thanks to you'  series here in Durham. We are sharing stories from Alumni and Supporters of why they are thankful and grateful for their time spent studying in Durham

Across our social media channels, we are spotlighting just some examples of the life-changing opportunities created by our alumni, and the times our donors' kindness has extended a helping hand in times of urgent need.

Gifts of all levels are always welcome and all donations make a difference.  Our generous alumni may give monthly by Direct Debit, or feel able to make a larger pledge of support.  Many are increasingly including Durham in their wills.  However our alumni have chosen to help, it is sincerely appreciated by staff and students across the Durham campus.

Read on to discover the heart-warming and inspiring ways students have been assisted, the reasons why so many of our alumni choose to give back, and the ways we at Durham try to convey our gratitude to each and every alumni donor.  

Philip Cairns (Engineering, Grey College, 1978-81)

Introducing Philip, an Alumni and Donor who has recently been recognised for surpassing an amazing milestone of giving continuously to Durham for 30 years. Now residing in Queensland, Australia he had this to say:

"I had such an enjoyable three years completing my County Durham education at the University, which contributed significantly to a satisfying career in engineering, that I've been delighted to give something back."

Louise Reeve (Philosophy & Politics, St Aidan's College, 2000-03)

 Louise shares her fond memories of the time spent studying at Durham and building friendships, enjoying it so much and deciding to stay.

"Durham University gave me a career in local government through my Politics degree, a huge amount of fun with the friends I made there, and an abiding love of the North East, which I've chosen to make my home - both above and below the water!"

Alison Schenker (nee Findlay), English Literature, St Aidan's College, 1984-87

A heart warming message from Alison on why she is grateful for her time spent in Durham, meeting friends and building her confidence, motivating her to donate to Durham continuously for a quarter of a century.

"I have continued to give for 25 years because going to Durham changed my life. It changed what I thought I could achieve and gave me the confidence to become the person that I am today. While I was there I met my closest and dearest friends".

We dedicate this message to our amazing community of donors who give to Durham, year in year out. Over a thousand alumni and supporters make up this generous group who have donated continuously for a minimum of five years. They have helped thousands of students over the years, and continue to provide scholarships, bursaries and financial aid in times of need.

We recognise every five year giving milestone with a commemorative pin badge, token gifts, engraved plaques for 25-year donors, and for those who have given continuously for the longest amount time (so far), our 30-year continuous donors, we plant a tree to acknowledge this outstanding act of generosity and loyalty.

The trees are located at the Durham University, Botanic Gardens, if you get a chance to visit.

Sandra Harvey, (Law, St Mary's College, 1971-84)

Sandra, standing on her graduation day in 1974, shared her memories of Durham and what motivates her to give back through her regular donations.

"My three years at Durham were some of the happiest of my life. I still feel very blessed to have been in the generation of young people for whom further education was free and easily available. I was inspired to donate to the University because in some small way I wanted other young people to have the opportunities I was so fortunate to have enjoyed."

Michael Chapman-John, (Business Management, Jon Snow College, 2019-2023)

"I started my lifelong ambition of getting a degree in 2019. I would not have made it past the foundation year if it were not for Julie and Isabella's professional and personal support in the foundation team. I had to fail and resit modules to excel beyond my wildest expectations. I have been regularly asked to talk about my experience with new students at the start of the academic year, and today, I am giving back further and starting on my journey in the mentoring programme at the university."

"I came out of my four years with a degree and a deeper understanding of who I am as an individual. I learned while at university that I have both ADHD and Dyslexia and with the support from the Business Management and Disability team, I have learned to not only handle these but use them to my advantage in my entrepreneurial activities. So, giving back to the university and other students in a similar position is a deep passion of mine."

 

 

If you have any memories you want to share with us please send them to stewardship.team@durham.ac.uk

 

Find out more

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