MGF (Trench Construction Systems) Ltd and the University of Salford: Building a Brighter Future Together

Plus:

Forget me not... Salford Institute for Dementia celebrates continued success

Lighting the fires of enthusiasm: Peter Casey on inspiring the next generation

When Dan met Jim: a story of two Journalism scholars

And much more…

A thank you from the ChancellorAs the University’s Chancellor I am delighted to have been asked to be involved in this, the 2015 edition of Salford’s donor and supporter newsletter. First, foremost, and most importantly I would like to personally express my thanks to you for your support over the past year and beyond.

The 2014/15 academic year was one of huge progress for the University of Salford and following my formal installation in April 2015 I have been delighted to have been a part of this change. Much of the change is extremely visible. The New Adelphi building, which will open in 2016, will be the new flagship centre for our Arts and Media students as well as the cultural centre of the campus. Many of you will hold a fondness for Castle Irwell in your hearts, but 2015 has seen the opening of stunning new halls of residence on campus.

Whilst the physical campus environment is naturally important, it has struck me that what makes Salford unique are its people, both past and present. Our students and graduates are creative, enterprising, hardworking and brilliant and our staff are industrious and committed whilst remaining unfalteringly inspirational. What we cannot overstate, however, is the importance of your support to these people.

Thanks to your generosity, we are able to offer scholarships and bursaries to individuals who would otherwise be unable to attend university. We are able to pioneer research into global problems, and consequently find solutions with global impact. And as a university with community high on the agenda, we are able to reach out positively to wider society to make an impact on individuals’ lives.

Your belief in the University, our work and what we stand for is enormously powerful. As I hope you will see from this newsletter, your generosity quite simply changes lives.

For this, I cannot thank you enough.

With warmest wishes from Salford,

Professor Jackie Kay MBE Chancellor

Contents:2014/15 academic year: an overview .......4

Building a brighter future .........................6

Josie Fletcher – End of second year update .......................8

The Hardship Fund ...................................9

The Salford Advantage Fund: Student mentoring programme ..............10

When Dan met Jim ................................12

Gifts in action ........................................14

Scholars in focus ....................................16

Peter Casey – Lighting the fires of enthusiasm .............18

Flying high with Santander Universities ..20

Donor in focus: Adelina Pintea ...............21

Salford calling ........................................22

Salford Institute for Dementia ................24

Howarth Trust life drawing .....................25

Meet the team .......................................26

Thank you for your support ....................28

A message from the Vice-Chancellor ......29

Messages from our students ..................30

2 32

Total funds pledged from philanthropic sources

Number of donors to the University in the 2014/15 academic year

Number of students and members of staff supported by Santander Universities

Number of different countries students and staff visited thanks to Santander travel bursaries Number of conversations with alumni

by our student calling team

Salford Advantage Bursary recipients supported

2014/15 academic year: an overviewThe 2014/15 academic year saw philanthropic support of the University of Salford grow to unprecedented levels.

The fact the number of supporters and the amount pledged to Salford is growing year on year sends out a powerful message of belief in the University’s mission and the work it undertakes.

Donor support makes a very real difference to the lives of students and staff at Salford, as well as individuals within the local community. Whilst the figures here will give you an overview of the scale of the collective support of people like you, we hope this newsletter also conveys the very real stories of the individuals whose lives you have changed.

54

MGF (Trench Construction Systems) Ltd is one of the University of Salford’s most generous supporters. Since 2013 the company has given significant amounts of money in support of our students, and spent innumerable hours offering professional volunteer experience.

MGF is recognised as a market leader in the design, manufacture and provision of modular and bespoke excavation support systems. The company employs around 300 people nationwide, including many Salford graduates

heavily involved on the building information modelling (BIM; the digital generation of places and space) side – Salford has the biggest postgraduate BIM course in the country. It also has MediaCityUK; construction is waking up to possibilities that the new digital age brings and I think there are a lot of advantages that Salford carries worldwide thanks to this facility.”

The relationship between the University and MGF is clearly one with enormous future potential. Academics Jonathan Haynes and Neil Currie work closely with Steve and MGF, and are keen to stress the importance and impact of industry links. “All of our courses are accredited,” explains Jonathan. “You cannot underestimate the impact this has on the experience of our students, and how it helps prepare them for their careers. Steve is also a part of our Industry Advisory Board and gives us quite a lot of time and expertise.”

“It doesn’t matter how many years myself and Jonathan have clocked up between us,” Neil adds. “Sometimes what we teach is met with an air of suspicion by students! So, when people come in from industry and show how the skills we’ve been teaching work in the real world, it lends us a lot of credibility. The time and support that professionals like Steve give is invaluable to us.”

Steve, on the other hand, is keen to stress how valuable Salford graduates can be to business. “Identifying very capable undergraduates and postgraduates is part of the key to sustaining success in business. At MGF, we go to all the careers fairs, and every Salford graduate we have employed we are very pleased with.”

Arooj Shah is currently in her second year at Salford. She is studying for a BSc in Civil

with Salford academics – an area Steve is keen to highlight. “There is a huge push throughout the industry to have strong ties with academia so we try to encourage that,” he says.

“Because we actually manufacture our own products and have a big research and development function, we hope to get a lot of new ideas and research done in our specialist area.

“At the same time we can help the University by teaching temporary works (the part of a construction project needed to enable permanent works to be built), which is MGF’s specialist area in civil engineering. We also get

and placement students. Impact sat down with Steve Hesketh, MGF’s Engineering Director, to discuss our partnership.

“A huge percentage of graduates within our company are from Salford, so we have a natural affiliation through its alumni,” says Steve. “My son studied Civil Engineering here a few years ago, and we’re literally 15 to 20 minutes away from the University. And, if you look at the reputation of Salford for being practical and dealing with industry, there are some really key reasons for supporting the University.”

MGF funds numerous undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, and collaborates

Engineering, and is a recipient of an MGF Undergraduate Scholarship. For Arooj, the chance to network with professionals like Steve is invaluable. As she puts it, “It’s great that the University has a personal relationship with people in industry, rather than pointing us in the direction of careers fairs.”

Steve has seen first-hand how powerful MGF’s support is to people like Arooj. “It’s humbling to know that we can help out. It ties in with our aspirations to be active within the local community, and in particular to encourage the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities. We’re keen to promote engineering – a historically male dominated profession – to young girls in particular. Our business has benefited massively from increasing the number of females in the company over the last ten years, and many are in senior roles.”

Of the four undergraduate MGF engineering scholars from the 2014 intake, three are women, and the support of MGF makes a real difference to their student experience; Arooj feels the impact of support by MGF has been a huge boost to her confidence.

Speaking to Steve serves to illustrate the power of donor support to the University and he is keen that this continues for as long as possible. “Both sides get plenty out of it,” he enthuses. “As a commercial business you have to demonstrate why should you give money to one cause, but I’m very hopeful that MGF’s relationship with the University of Salford will mature and grow. It’s certainly looking good at the moment.”

We wouldn’t argue with that.

Scholar profile: Holly Craven, BSc Engineering“My interest in engineering evolved from my love of design and practical work. Growing up in a single parent family with not much to spare, my mum would always undertake jobs around the house herself with me as her helper.My upbringing drew me to the construction industry, and I have become motivated to become an engineer through seeing the impact and difference they can make, particularly in developing countries.Before receiving my scholarship I was working two jobs alongside my studies to help support myself and my family through a difficult time. Thanks to the donor support I received I was able to cut my hours right down, and hand in my resignation for one job.In the future I’d like to see myself as a chartered, competent and strong female ambassador for engineering. I’d like to be in a position where I can recognise the need and help others as MGF has done for me. Learning I was the recipient of the MGF scholarship reduced both me and my mother to tears, and I could not be more grateful for what can only be described as a complete act of kindness.”

Holly Craven

Left to right:Jonathan Haynes

Jagger GledhillShannon BarrieSteve Hesketh

Arooj ShahNeil Currie

Engineering a brighter future

76

An update from JosieIf you have attended a donor event in the past couple of years or read last year’s edition of Impact you may be familiar with the inspiring story of Josie Fletcher.

“I am currently studying towards my BSc Accounting and Finance Degree and am a recipient of a Salford Advantage Bursary. I finished my second year in summer 2015, and in 2015/16 I am undertaking a placement year as part of my course.

“My second year was much harder than the first mainly due to me getting a part time job alongside my studies. This meant I had to manage my time more efficiently to allow for studying and socialising. Whilst challenging at first, I feel this experience has proved invaluable.

“My second year modules proved to be harder than the first year, specifically law! Alongside my studies, however, I enjoyed taking part in professional development as it improved my employability skills.

“Over the summer I worked in order to save, to enable me to manage my wages more efficiently throughout my placement year – which commenced in August and is working in Salford City Council’s Finance Department as a Trainee Financial Support Officer. Having always been in education this is an amazing opportunity for me to gain experience working in the field of finance before I graduate, and I have no doubt the experience will be invaluable for my future career.

“My bursary has enabled me to financially support my studying and helped me maintain an independent lifestyle. It has given me freedom and a safety net in times of hardship, and allowed me to keep above board with my new commitments when working overtime wasn’t enough.

“I would like to again thank Salford’s donors for their interest in the young people supported by the Salford Advantage Bursary. Your generosity makes a massive difference to our lives and our futures.”

“It’s inspirational to know that there are people out there who genuinely care

and are changing lives.”

“Your generosity makes a massive difference to our lives and our futures.”

Course saving and life changingHigher education is a time of exciting opportunities both socially and academically, and we are committed to removing barriers to education.

Donations to the Hardship Fund at Salford support students when they are in severe financial difficulties through no fault of their own. The fund is discretionary and each year, thanks to your generosity, it enables countless students to complete their studies.

Applications come from a range of individuals: from mature students and single parents to those in critical situations; students who suddenly find themselves homeless and who simply have no idea of where to turn; or students who have suffered from domestic violence.

Gemma Orrell, co-ordinator of the Hardship Fund, said: “No matter how organised a student is, anyone can fall into financial difficulties through no fault of their own. For students with children, funding can only cover 85% of childcare, and a 15% shortfall is a very large shortfall to have to find. Student funding continues to take cuts so there will always be a need for this support. It’s inspirational to know that there are people out there who genuinely care and are changing lives.”

Owing to the nature of the Hardship Fund, the University only ever asks for anonymous feedback from recipients – who are, however, always extremely grateful:

“This provision is excellent. Without it I wouldn’t have been able to afford childcare costs and would have had to withdraw from the course.”

“My circumstances changed part way through my degree and without this help I would have been forced to withdraw. I really appreciate the help I have received and the opportunity to complete my degree.”

An individual should never be forced to abandon their studies if financial problems are no fault of their own, and donor support of and belief in the Hardship Fund has a course saving and life-changing effect on countless Salford students every year.

To make a contribution to the Hardship Fund please visit: www.salford.ac.uk/alumni/giving-to-salford/student-hardship or call Claire Green, Regular Giving Officer, on +44 (0)161 295 3432.

8 98

An exceptional student experience is at the heart of what the University provides, but we also have a strong sense of obligation to the local community we serve. The donor funded Student Life School & College Mentoring Project enables current students to deliver mentoring to pupils at local schools.

The project began in 2010 as part of a drive to develop widening participation partnerships and now covers subject-specific provision in addition to literacy, numeracy and pastoral support. Mentors support pupils aged 11-16 who have been identified for additional support, either on a one to one basis or within a classroom or group environment.

The Salford Advantage Fund has enabled the Student Life team to bring in Pippa Miller, a Salford alumna and qualified social worker who has worked in the area for the last fifteen years. Pippa delivers a five-week mentoring and safeguarding child protection programme to our students to prepare them for mentoring.

“Within all our work with children, safeguarding has to be at the centre to keep both the mentors and the mentees safe,” says Pippa. “The training allows students to increase their knowledge and skills around what to look out for when they volunteer in schools and how to appropriately respond. They can put what they have been taught into practice in a safe learning environment to build upon their confidence and self-value as a mentor.”

The benefits can be seen in many forms. Student mentors have been able to develop skills and relevant practical work experience to successfully pursue a career in teaching, and schools have been able to respond to pupils’ needs and provide positive role models.

Richard Bradley graduated in July 2015 with a BSc in Biology and has since gone on to secure a graduate position through the Teach First programme, a leading teaching training provider. He says: “This time last year I didn’t know who or what I was to become. The mentoring experience enlightened me and taught me how to engage with pupils.

“Whatever fear or anxiety you may have before stepping into a school is completely dispelled when you realise how much students appreciate you just being there.”

Thanks to your generosity, we are able to equip our students with the skills necessary to guide and support our next generation of Salford students. The outcome is twofold: whilst our current students develop skills which will be invaluable to them in the future, they are also inspiring the next generation – the very individuals who will follow in their footsteps, not to mention those of many of our donors.

You can influence the next generation by making a gift to our Inspiring Salford Initiative at: www.salford.ac.uk/alumni/giving-to-salford/inspiring-salford

Sabirah Chowdhury is studying BSc Psychology and Counselling and has really enjoyed being part of the mentoring project, gaining valuable life skills in the process. She says: “volunteering is, to me, valuable and rewarding. I feel volunteering is one of the ways of enhancing the student experience and developing personal goals.”

“Whatever fear or anxiety you may have before stepping into a school is completely dispelled when you realise how much students appreciate you just being there.”

Richard Bradley, BSc Biology, 2015

Supporting our students – current and future

1010 11

Jim: As someone approaching the end of your degree, do you have any advice for Journalism students entering their second year?

Dan: I have two pieces of advice: make the most of your time at Salford – appreciate your three years as they’ll fly by; and as a Journalism student, never turn down an opportunity – it will keep your options open when looking for jobs.

Jim: What’s been your best experience at Salford, and why?

Dan: It’s been great to be involved in things like Quays News (the University’s in-house TV station) and produce broadcast quality content. I’ve also been heavily involved in Shock Radio (Salford’s own radio station), and the University News Society.

Jim: How will all the experience you gained help you get a job?

Dan: I think courses at Salford – like Journalism – have a very practical feel. You do your theory, of course, but the University prepares you for the workplace.

Jim: Do you feel anything would have been different had you not received a scholarship? How did it impact on you?

Dan: Because of my background – I’m not from an affluent area – I never felt confident. When I got the scholarship, I found it gave me a comfort and a security which I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Obviously it has helped pay for my rent, but also with buying my own equipment. I own a special mic to record for radio, and this has been an invaluable tool. I’ve interviewed celebrities and politicians, and a lot of ordinary people; and the ordinary people were the better stories.

Jim: So the scholarship equipped you with the necessary tools for success?

Dan: Without it I wouldn’t have had the stories, and without the stories I wouldn’t have my CV and the confidence to go out and apply for jobs. I worked for a regional news organisation called Salford Online and secured local stories which otherwise would have gone unheard; in a sense I think that mirrors what the scholarship is. We wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing without the help of the scholarship, and our stories wouldn’t be heard… it’s a nice coincidence. But Jim, you’ve just completed your first year. How do you feel?

Jim: Proud! It was challenging, but it hasn’t put me off. Shorthand and studying for the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) qualifications has been difficult but you need to maximise the resources available to you, and go to extra classes. I was also a bit hesitant before coming to university, but there’s a great group atmosphere.

Dan: Salford does have that friendliness – and I think the University’s alumni have that friendliness too. How grateful are you to Salford’s supporters and their charitable spirit?

Jim: I’m so grateful – I really appreciate that, thanks to them, the University can offer this support. When I applied and looked at my student finance there was a sense of panic. It’s not just rent – you’ve got course equipment and socialising too. I only talk to one of my parents, and they are unable to provide all the support I need. So that’s a background of estrangement, and because of that I need financial support just to be here. I do have a part time job too, but when I first started I didn’t and that was a real concern.

Dan: Over my three years I had various part time jobs – but I think the major benefit of the scholarship for me has been its impact on helping me to further my career. Do you find that too?

Jim: I’ve been careful with my money, because you never know what’s going to happen. I’ve bought course equipment and textbooks, a reporter’s notebook, and it’s helped towards NCTJ exams, which are extra. They’re not compulsory, but they maximise your job prospects.

Dan: That’s the thing about Salford. You’ve got your degree, your additional qualifications, and your work experience, which is ingrained in the courses.

Jim: And the scholarship takes the financial burden away from this; for a donor award recipient, their own finances quite simply wouldn’t cover their year. There’s a stereotype of students eating noodles, but ultimately scholarships and bursaries help people achieve their goals.

Dan: I think Salford as a city benefits from the University and its students. The city is getting so much talent into it, and such a diverse variety of people – and that’s I think how the scholarships help. They show people care, and at Salford I’ve been given the chance to succeed. Finally, Jim, if you had to deliver a message to donors and supporters of the University, what would you say?

Jim: Your work doesn’t go unnoticed. The funds you’ve made available have really made an impact. You’re helping us develop the skills we need to pursue our dreams and our chosen careers and make a difference in the world. We will put in the work, but you have removed the financial burden.

Dan: I’ll add that I’m forever indebted to the donors who supported me because my three years at Salford have been incredibly special, and it’s testament to the University and the city that I don’t want to leave. It has been a privilege and an honour to be a part of the University. Proper journalism is storytelling so donors and supporters of Salford, I’d like to thank you for enabling me to tell stories – and to continue telling them.

Dan McLaughlin and Jim Scott are recipients of Lady Monica Cockfield Memorial Trust Scholarships in Journalism. Dan graduated with First Class Honours in July 2015, whilst Jim began his studies in September 2014. We asked for their thoughts on their course, university experience, future plans… and the importance of donor support.

When Dan met Jim

Right: Jim Scott Left: Dan McLaughlin

1312

Gifts in actionProjects, initiatives and outreach programmesThis year, your generosity enabled student learning and enrichment through projects that reached across campus and into the local community. Industry and community engagement is fundamental to enhancing the student experience and, thanks to your support, we have been able to help students gain a competitive edge and prepare them for life after Salford.

Raising the awareness of infectious diseasesChloe James, Lecturer in Microbiology, delivered an innovative project with MSc Biomedical Science students and pupils at St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton.

With the help of the Salford Advantage Fund, the University was able to connect with the school’s art department. The pupils were given briefs and materials from the MSc students for a campaign to raise the awareness of infectious diseases and used them as inspiration for their art projects. The works produced included eye catching logos, attention grabbing slogans, campaign posters, t-shirts, Facebook pages and ideas for children’s games.

Chloe said: “Everyone involved really enjoyed this project. I was really impressed by the level of engagement that the pupils showed, and we have been able to forge good links with the school and made its pupils much more aware of the University. Communicating science to a wider audience can be difficult, but this collaboration has really helped us.”

Relaunching the Sound of SalfordSalford University Radio Society (SURS) started in the 1960s as an active student radio club. Dormant for more than a decade, it has been brought back to life and now benefits from a website and a new location. Generous donations have enabled further equipment to be put together and a radio ‘shack’ to be established.

SURS was relaunched with a wider vision to create a centre for students, academics and the public to become actively engaged in a range of engineering activities centred on radio applications. The result is an exciting and powerful environment where all involved can develop real-world, practical experience whilst exploiting the best of industry and academic practice.

SURS is now affiliated with the Students’ Union as the Amateur Radio Electronics Society. Through amateur radio, students and staff can be trained in operating and technical skills as a route to obtaining transmitting licences and to gain proficiency in electronics. This has enhanced the student experience, widened participation in radio communications, and played a role in the planned reinvestment and refocus of science at Salford.

New communal space for studentsDonations have provided a much-needed communal space in the School of Health Sciences for students, giving them somewhere to develop activities that enhance their learning experience.

Helen Matthews, project leader, said: “Many thanks to you, our family of donors, for supporting the development of our communal space. It has allowed us to develop activities which focus on belonging and social support as well as learning, and also helped foster relationships between staff and students by improving social engagement.”

Students gain an industry edgeStudents at our MediaCityUK campus have been able to undertake sought-after industry recognised certification training in Avid Media Composer software. The training courses are industry certified and recognised by the television and film industry, giving students a competitive edge. The University is also embarking on a full business partnership with Avid so students can be offered work placements, enhanced training and master classes with the company.

Warren Hilton, creative technical demonstrator at MediaCityUK and project lead, said: “Being able to offer students industry recognised training and certification has been an invaluable asset. We are already seeing the benefits of this as students are already using these skills and taking them into industry through work placements. To the people that have made this possible, thank you.”

Supporting the local communitySalford students came together to work in collaboration with local people from the Ordsall area of Salford who had ideas or projects in development to enhance life within the local community.

The partnership took place at a community event called ‘Ask an Expert’, where the local people could match up their requirements with the skills our students had to offer. As a result of this, students identified project areas they felt they could help with. This fed into the creation of several ‘live briefs’, a concept which forms part of numerous Salford degrees whereby students work on real-life projects as part of their courses – and gain real world experience in the process. The students, along with staff from the University, met with the groups to work on developing their community projects.

Dr Jess Symons, project lead, said: “Thank you to the generous donors who made the funds possible for this project to take place. It was fantastic to see the students understand themselves as skilled people with something to offer and to work in collaboration with the local community, something that would not normally have been possible.”

Graduate Samer Tufail receiving

radio tuition

1514

Christopher Wyatt BA Contemporary Military and International History, 2016

I am a third year student and former foster child. My second year was a huge step-up from my first; I managed to greatly improve my grades due to the increased freedom in module choice, which made studying more enjoyable.

The Salford Advantage Bursary has had a hugely positive impact on my life. During the summer

holiday, it made it possible for me to work just enough hours so as to not affect my reading and research ahead of my final year.

Without my bursary I wouldn’t have been able to visit my family as much as I did during my second year: this had an enormously positive impact on my mental state, and I have no doubt it contributed to my improved grades. I would also have struggled to live within the financial constraints of student finance, which would have made focusing on my studies a lot harder.

As well as helping with my living costs, my bursary has improved my confidence, and had a significant effect on my ability to talk to and socialise with other people.

Donors, thank you for the support you have provided. It is appreciated fully and I hope this is shown through the progress I have made during my time at Salford. It has certainly been made easier thanks to you.

Christopher Wyatt

Kieron McGuire

Kieron McGuire BA Drama & Creative Writing, 2017

I come from the care of social services and I am one of very few looked after children that proceed to higher education. Just being at the University of Salford is a great opportunity for me.

Last year was very demanding as I studied a lot of theory, which I found challenging as I have dyslexia and take a considerable amount of time to read to the level where I have taken in the relevant information.

I don’t have the luxury of having parents to help in times of financial struggle, so my bursary has really made a huge impact on my education. Without it, I do not believe that I would have passed my first year. I want to thank the people who have made my bursary possible. I hope you know that your generosity helps people like me succeed – and that’s something no one can take away from you.

I am forever grateful.“The Salford Advantage Bursary has had a hugely positive impact on my life.” “I hope you know

that your generosity helps people like me succeed – and that’s something no one can take away from you.”

To support more gifted individuals like Christopher and Kieron please visit: www.salford.ac.uk/alumni/giving-to-salford/supporting-students

Scholars in focus

16 17

Alumnus Peter Casey is the embodiment of a Salford success story, and graduated from Salford Technical College with an ONC in 1960. Peter is the founder and executive chairman of the Casey Construction Group and generously funds a scholar for the duration of their course through the annual award of the Peter Casey Scholarship, which recognises and supports excellence in construction. We asked Peter about how his successes have enabled him to make an impact on current students, and about his continued association with the University and the City of Salford.

Peter Casey on… his early life

I was born and grew up in Swinton. I left school at 16 years of age with eight O levels.

As the eldest of six brothers, it was a necessity to earn to help the family budget. I passed the Ordnance Survey exam and trained as a land surveyor. I went to night school to take civil engineering, and progressed into site engineering. During a period of working on Ordnance Survey, I had a part time evening and weekend job, cleaning offices in new buildings prior to occupation.

Peter Casey on… his career

During my early career, working for others fuelled the ambition to develop my own company. I was taught the facts of life and importance of cash flow for survival.

My ambition was realised when the Casey Group Ltd was established in 1968. Initially, the work consisted of sub-contract earth works, landscaping, and minor civil works.

We now carry out refurbishment of residential property for local authorities and housing associations, as well as schools and industrial developments. We also have new build and development divisions, and do major environmental works, land reclamation and plant hire across the country.

Peter Casey on… social responsibility

The Casey Group’s policy was to put something back into local community. This ranged from working with schools to sponsoring sports teams.

Internally, policy was to encourage the further education of staff and apprenticeships. We organised courses for staff that were tailor made for the construction industry.

Peter Casey on… supporting Salford

I am all for philanthropy, and wish there was more of it. I think there is no greater joy than to give or do something that makes a difference to people’s lives, and educational opportunities fall within this.

I have such fond memories from my nights at Salford Technical College. Despite being sent out to flea bitten classrooms in almost condemned buildings throughout the city (invariably with no heating) I enjoyed every minute of it and was grateful for the opportunity to be there. It was my first venture into higher education and all I had to do was turn up and do my best. Today that is not the case; there are financial barriers to getting started that in my youth I could not have overcome.

Peter Casey on… the Peter Casey scholars

I have met both the current recipients of the Peter Casey Scholarship, Stuart and John. I was extremely impressed by both and I am sure they will both do very well in their chosen careers.

My first piece of advice to scholars would be always do your best, and play with a straight bat. I would hope that when the opportunity arises in the future they will be at least as generous to people they can help as life has been generous to them.

Secondly, and importantly, I would say that if working long hours don’t neglect your family while growing up. There are no second chances, and no guarantees in life.

It is through lighting the fires of enthusiasm that I hope to generate success – after all, the Great Fire of London started with a candle!

John Kelso BSc Construction Project Management, 2017

I’m in my early thirties and have had many jobs over the years. Although I’ve always worked hard, I’ve always known I was capable of much more. In April 2012 my son was born, and everything changed. I wanted a better future for him so went back to college to study construction. Getting good grades made me more determined and motivated than ever, and I progressed to study Construction Project Management at Salford.

When I heard about the Peter Casey Scholarship I worked as hard as I could to obtain it. Having achieved my objective, I’m aiming to graduate with First Class Honours. It is an honour to be awarded this scholarship

and it enables me to carry on working to the best of my ability.

Ten years from now I see myself as a project director for a top construction company. I believe I can excel in the construction industry due to my self-confidence, commitment, motivation and my ability to learn quickly. My personal ambition is to buy land and build my own houses.

I’ve been through some bad times and made many mistakes, however my experience has made me a stronger person. Thanks to my love for my son and past mistakes, my resolve and motivation have never been stronger. I intend to put things right, like I should have done ten years ago, and enable my dreams to come true.

Left to right: John Kelso, Hisham Elkadi (Dean, School of the Built Environment), Peter Casey, Stuart Hartley

meet his scholarship recipients. His generosity, however, will ensure that his legacy lives on at Salford and will have a huge impact of the lives of future students.

We extend our sincerest condolences to Gerry’s family, friends and colleagues.

Available to students across all disciplines of engineering, the purpose of these special awards is to ensure that gifted individuals are not deterred from studying at the University of Salford.

Gerry sadly and very suddenly passed away in July 2015, so never had the chance to

Ground-breaking gift by Gerry Mason to support even more promising engineers

In March 2015 Gerry Mason, founder and chairman of Morson Group, pledged £270,000 to establish the Gerry Mason Engineering Excellence Scholarships at the University.

Lighting the fires of enthusiasm

18 1918

Santander Universities’ support enables our students, graduates and staff to push research boundaries and grasp exciting work opportunities whilst also supporting budding entrepreneurs.

Prior to gaining First Class Honours in Law in July 2015, Salman Kotwal made the most of every opportunity presented by studying at Salford. He won a Santander Universities Mobility Scholarship to travel to China for an internship at Globe-Law, and completed a prestigious two-part placement with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

“I was overwhelmed when I won the scholarship,” says Salman. “Acting as an ambassador for the University of Salford, Santander Universities and Salford City Council whilst also representing Salford SMEs was a truly memorable experience.

Donor in focusAdelina Pintea, BA Interior Design, 2012

Over the past couple of years we have seen a notable increase in the number of students and graduates making gifts to the University. We asked alumna and donor Adelina Pintea to discuss her time at Salford, her generosity, and the impact she has seen – and continues to see – on campus.

“I graduated in 2012 with a BA in Interior Design but my time with Salford certainly did not end there.” says Adelina.

“As an undergraduate student ambassador, I conducted campus tours, supervised summer schools, worked as a fundraiser for the Salford Advantage Fund and alongside the University Events team, and helped students settle in every year during welcome week.

“I recently launched my own illustration business, Adelina Pintea Illustration. I am also an associate lecturer in the University’s School of Arts & Media, and help out with recruitment activities. Once you fall in love with Salford, it’s hard to leave! I have extremely fond memories of being a student, living in Castle Irwell, and getting to know students and staff.

“I know how important donations are. They ensure people in need receive support with their studies. Students in hardship can get help and facilities at the University are kept to a high standard. When I first came to Salford I didn’t have much to fall back on, and it was fantastic to find out I would receive a scholarship. I have witnessed first-hand the difference and importance of donor support, and I am honoured my studies have put me in a position where I can now give back to the University and help others.”

Adelina’s experience will undoubtedly resonate with a huge number of our graduates, and the sense of community that exists amongst our students, staff and alumni is a colossal source of pride to us.

To support us, visit www.salford.ac.uk/donate

“The scholarship enabled me to travel to a fascinating part of the world I would otherwise never have had the chance to go to. Spending a month in China and immersing myself in its culture facilitated my development as an individual and a prospective lawyer.

My successful internships helped me win the University of Salford Placement Student of the Year Award for 2014/15, and through my efforts I aim to inspire both current and potential Salford law students.”

Santander help to kick start new businesses

Recent Salford graduate and entrepreneur Jamie Norman’s business was kick started through the University’s business incubation sites and funding from Santander Universities.

The University has two business incubation sites to help budding entrepreneurs and graduates

get their businesses off the ground: Origin at The Landing in MediaCityUK for digital business start-ups, and Origin at Spark Studio, Broughton, for all business types.

Jamie said: “Setting up in business at The Landing was a wonderful opportunity for my business, Queer Media Ltd, as we were instantly part of the community of SMEs who are thriving within MediaCityUK. Being granted three months’ rent free meant that I could concentrate on growing my business and not have to worry about how I would pay my immediate bills. This, alongside some business mentoring, has really helped me to become established.”

Salford prides itself on being an enterprising university, and thanks to the support of Santander Universities our students are presented with opportunities to stoke their entrepreneurial spirit.

“The scholarship enabled me to travel to a fascinating part of the world I would otherwise never have had the chance to go to.”

Adelina Pintea

Left to right: Alison Blackburn (Registrar), Salman Kotwal, Jade Littlewood (Santander Campus Branch Manager)

Flying high with Santander Universities

“Once you fall in love with Salford,

it’s hard to leave!”

20 21

The Salford Advantage Fund is a special fundraising programme based around lots of donors giving whatever they can afford on a regular basis to make a huge collective difference. You may have spoken to a member of our student calling team on the telephone; we sat down with some of them to discuss their work and its impact.

Salford calling

A typical evening at work… is never boring! It’s always good to talk to people, and our alumni are usually very understanding and never rude. Over the past year I’ve learnt about everything from radiology to aerospace engineering thanks to my job!

My message to our donors is… you really are making a difference. Even after you’ve left the University, you’re still a part of it!

My funniest conversation has been… with the lady who when I asked why she had chosen to study at Salford simply replied ‘because there were more men around!’

My message to our donors is… we are all really grateful for your generosity and it is an awesome feeling when you decide to donate – thank you!

The best thing about Salford is… my course. I am from Mauritius, received a scholarship myself, and have found my studies really interesting. I love my teachers – they are all really helpful and a brilliant academic team.

My message to our donors is… you are doing a brilliant job. It’s fantastic that you support Salford. You might not realise it but the money you give makes a big difference. All of you are amazing!

To make a gift to the Salford Advantage Fund, please visit www.salford.ac.uk/donate, or call Claire Green, Regular Giving Officer, on +44 (0)161 295 3432.

To make sure our students can continue to reach out to you please also take a moment to update your details with us via www.salford.ac.uk/stayconnected.

Impact: Hi Sally, you’re a BA Drama and Theatre student, but alongside your studies you work as a member of the Salford Advantage Fund Student Calling team. Can you talk us through what this involves?

Sally: My job is to ask alumni about their time at Salford, update their details, tell them about what’s happening on campus, and ask for their support. A key part of the job is keeping people connected. The vast majority of people we speak to are really friendly, which I think says a lot about the University and its sense of community and family.

Impact: That’s really positive. What attracted you to the role?

Sally: I used to get anxious about speaking to people over the telephone, and it’s a huge life skill. I’ve done customer service before and I am a performer, but I realised if I want to have my own successful business after graduating I had to focus on the thing I am nervous about, to give me confidence. And the job is for a really good cause that benefits students!

Impact: Do you have any favourite stories of any conversations you’ve had, or memorable experiences?

Sally: Yes! One alumnus had written a book on business, which he had studied and also lectured in. He was an absolutely lovely gentleman and is a donor too (if this is you, thank you – Impact). I was telling him about what we were doing and it ended up being this conversation on business and motivation. This shows how important our alumni are to current students – I came off the phone really inspired and thinking, ‘I’m going to get his book now.’

Impact: That’s brilliant. So what would you say are the highlights of your job?

Sally: Talking to people from all different walks of life. I’ve learnt a lot about people, and I like supporting something that I know is for a good cause. There are jokes about poor, struggling students but I think a lot of people don’t realise how real that stereotype is. It’s good to have a voice and be able to say that as a student, we do need help.

Impact: How do you feel when someone makes a gift?

Sally: It’s great, especially when you know it is going to such a good cause. At the same time it’s a wonderful feeling to know you’re interesting enough to merit someone’s time, and that they can trust you.

Impact: And finally, do you have a message for our donors?

Sally: Yes. To anyone I’ve spoken to or will speak to in the future I would just ask you to remember that you were once in our shoes and we are all very thankful for you for understanding that when you speak to us. And of course we are thankful for the donations that you give!

Joe, BA Comedy Practices

Tabitha, BA TV and Radio

Sharmeen, MSc Engineering

Sally, BA Drama & Theatre

2322

Celebrating the anniversary of the Salford Institute for Dementia

Since its foundation in 2013 the response of our donors to the Salford Institute for Dementia (SIfD) has been astounding, with over £1,269,000 secured in external funding to date.

The SIfD is home to a unique multidisciplinary grouping of academics working to generate and disseminate evidence to enable people to live as well as possible with dementia. It engages extensively with people living with dementia, and with colleagues working in practice and policy in the built environment, technology, health and social care and the arts and media.

The Visual Arts programme at the University allows students to explore traditional disciplines of painting, drawing, sculpture, fine print and the more experimental fields of conceptual and performance art strategies. However before 2014/15 the life class – an iconic teaching and learning opportunity in the fine arts – had not been available to Visual Arts students for many years.

Thanks to the support of the Haworth Trust, we have been able to re-introduce life drawing as a co-curricular activity. The introduction of the Haworth Trust Life Class had a huge impact upon the Visual Arts programme and the School of Arts & Media, with each session filled to capacity.

The series consisted of twenty drawing sessions over two semesters including two full-day intensive workshops. A new drawing

Annual highlights from 2014/15 include:

• A £325,000 pledge from the Booth Charities in support of the Institute’s work on ‘Living Well with Young Onset Dementia.’

• Achieving national recognition for our donors’ support via a Bronze HEIST Award for ‘Best Alumni, Development or Fundraising Campaign.’

• University investment of over £400k in a ‘living laboratory’ for robotics and cognitive impairment to support the Institute’s work.

• The appointment of three research fellows and two research assistants, three of whom are funded by the Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel Trust.

• The launch of a new Masters programme in Dementia and Enabling Environments, with the first cohort of students registered in February 2015.

• Being shortlisted for the finals of the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards 2014. We are also absolutely delighted to report that Joy Watson, a member of our external advisory group who was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 52 four years ago (and whom you may remember from last year’s edition of Impact), won the Dementia Friends Champion award.

• Dr Dennis Gillings, UK Envoy to the World Dementia Council – which was established following the G8 Summit on Dementia in December 2013 – visiting the Institute in March 2015.

studio was created and an array of material ranging from easels to drawing donkeys was purchased to support the sessions. Classes were taught by Dr David Hancock, who has earned himself an international reputation as a major figure painter.

Renowned local artist Harold Riley was welcomed to campus for the final session and students were thrilled to have the benefit of his experience and expertise. In a striking moment, Harold opened up the session to questions from the floor. There was only one: “When are you coming back?”

Selected works produced as a result of the classes were shown between April and September in the new gallery space in the Old Fire Station. This formed part of a competition for the Haworth Trust Life Drawing Award, with the winner selected from the shortlist of portfolios and the exhibited work – the award was won by level six student Hazel Clegg.

The Haworth Trust Life Classes were an unqualified success. Students learned new skills, whilst more individuals are returning to the discipline of life drawing and understanding the primacy of its role in creative enquiry and endeavour. We hope to be able to safeguard the programme for the future and ensure further cohorts of artists benefit from this exceptional experience, and the Howarth Trust has generously agreed to continue its support for the next three years.

“I usually work from photographs, which didn’t seem quite right, but then when I learned about the structure of the body and how foreshortening works in the life drawing classes, my work began to improve. The classes had a really strong and amazing impact on my skills and the way I think about and study the human figure. I would recommend them to anyone.”

Hazel Clegg, student and winner of the Haworth Trust Life Drawing Award

The revival of life drawingForget me not...

Preview of the Haworth Life Drawing Exhibition

Luisa Rabanal, Research Fellow in Young Onset Dementia

Funded by the Booth Charities

“I have a diverse research background, but began working in healthcare in 2011. During three years working as a support worker I developed a passion for dementia care practice for people living with the condition.

“In September 2014 I was working specifically in dementia care research with the Bradford Dementia Group, looking at enhancing person-centred dementia care for older people living in residential and nursing homes. At the same time I was approaching the last phase of my occupational therapy training which involved a research project, and made the experiences of those living with young onset dementia (YOD) my focus.

“My research showed activity-focused groups help meet social and occupational needs for those with YOD and how the role of age-appropriate services for younger people living with dementia is vital. Specialist services have only a patchy distribution around the UK.

“I was thrilled to be appointed to the role of the Booth Charities Research Fellow and want to express my deepest thanks to the donors for funding such an innovative and timely study. This is an opportunity to help to raise awareness and actually implement research findings in order to effect the service developments that are so desperately needed, and could make a huge difference to lives of an enormous number of people.”

Your involvement

From everyone associated with the Salford Institute for Dementia, we would like to express our gratitude for your invaluable support so far. Without it the Institute would not be able to make the progress which is vital to achieving our ultimate goal of changing the lives of those living with dementia both now and in the future.

To support the work of the Institute, visit: www.salford.ac.uk/alumni/giving- to-salford/action-on-dementia

2524

Sunny TailorDonor Engagement Officere: s.tailor@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 2446

Sunny is responsible for stewardship activity relating to Salford’s family of donors. This includes updating you on the difference you make at the University through regular communications and events.

Gareth PettitAlumni Engagement & Regular Giving Managere: g.t.pettit@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 3396

Gareth manages the University’s alumni engagement and regular giving functions. He is responsible for our work to support and remain connected with Salford graduates and for facilitating their ongoing involvement with the University. He is also responsible for managing the Salford Advantage Fund, our fundraising programme designed to generate impact from lots of supporters giving what they can.

Patti HolmesDevelopment Managere: p.a.holmes@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 5292

Patti is responsible for the major gifts team at Salford and works to secure large gifts in support of the University’s strategic and philanthropic priorities. A long serving member of the team, Patti was instrumental in securing the six figure gifts which helped launch the Salford Institute for Dementia.

Liz StottPA to Executive Directore: e.stott@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 3277

Liz works to support Colin on a day to day basis. She provides a high level of administrative support across the directorate, as well as serving as office manager.

Paul ButlinAlumni Engagement Officere: p.butlin@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 2381

Paul works to maintain the University’s relationship with our alumni community of over 150,000 graduates, by providing a wide range of benefits and opportunities for involvement. These include regular communications, alumni events and reunions, continued use of University facilities and a variety of volunteering opportunities.

Colin McCallumExecutive Director – University Advancemente: c.mccallum@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 3277 (PA)

Colin is responsible for all advancement activity at the University. This encompasses fundraising, alumni relations, events, conferencing, arts and development operations.

Claire GreenRegular Giving Officere: c.l.green@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 3432

Claire oversees the Salford Advantage Fund activity, engaging with donors through a variety of channels. She is also responsible for the Salford Circle, the University’s special mid-level giving programme that recognises supporters who make higher level regular donations.

Ellen RobothamDevelopment Officere: e.w.robotham@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 6287

Ellen is primarily responsible for directly securing gifts to the University from individual supporters and from trusts and foundations, as well as working closely with the Salford Institute for Dementia.

Lucy FishAlumni Engagement Officere: l.fish@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 5909

Like Paul, Lucy works to develop relationships with the University’s graduates and provide them with opportunities to get and stay involved with their alma mater. Lucy has a particular focus on developing opportunities with our business alumni via mentoring, placements and other forms of volunteering.

Adrian ChurchmanAdvancement Services Officere: a.b.churchman@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 0224

Adrian’s role focusses on information management and systems. He is responsible for ensuring alumni and supporter records are accurate and information is stored securely and safely.

Rachel TomlinsDevelopment Managere: r.h.tomlins@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 5292

Rachel works with individuals, corporate organisations and trusts and foundations who are interested in making major gifts to the University. She also manages our legacy program for supporters who wish to leave a gift to the University in their will.

Lauren GirlingRegular Giving Officere: l.girling@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 7062

Lauren’s role also centres on Salford Advantage Fund activity. She works closely with students to facilitate our telephone campaigns as well as working on class giving activity, which encourages students to give back to the University.

Siobhan HeffernanDevelopment Officere: s.e.heffernan@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 3831

Siobhan also works directly with individuals, corporate organisations and trusts and foundations to secure philanthropic income for the University. Her focus since joining Salford has been fundraising for the University’s engineering projects.

Gary FongFinance Officere: g.fong@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 4733

Gary oversees the accounting relating to philanthropic donations to the University. His role also includes gift processing and management.

Meet the team

Tom JiratAdvancement Services Managere: t.m.jirat@salford.ac.uk t: +44 (0)161 295 6271

Tom manages advancement operations at the University. His portfolio includes donor engagement and stewardship; information management and systems; and strategy, research and reporting.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your support or the University more broadly, please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!

The Office of University Advancement Alumni House 3 Acton SquareThe University of Salford The Crescent Salford M5 4NYUnited Kingdom

2726

A message from the Vice-ChancellorAs Jackie’s introduction outlined, 2015 was a huge year of change for the University of Salford. This change has been resoundingly positive, but as an institution that has always historically been forward thinking and progressive we are committed to continuous progress. As a donor you already play a critical role in our present, as I hope the stories in this newsletter outline. What is equally crucial, however, is your importance to our future.

Many of our donors are alumni of the University, and indeed you yourself may be a graduate. Other readers will be students or colleagues, whilst some of you will be connected to Salford simply by your belief in our work. Irrespective of how you are connected to the University, you are part of the Salford family. With each passing year our global alumni community grows – it is now over 150,000 strong – but so does the number of donors to Salford, and this sends out a powerful message surrounding our ability to change lives.

Each year, we tell our students that their relationship with the University does not end with graduation and that it is for life. As a donor you may have already heard this message, and it certainly rings true. In supporting the University, you are shaping our present and moulding what is to come.

We look forward to keeping in touch over the coming year, and to sharing our exciting future with you as we head towards the fiftieth anniversary of Salford gaining chartered University status in 2017. The progress we continue to make we could not do without you.

Thank you.

Professor Helen Marshall Vice-Chancellor

The Honora Gail King AwardHonora Gail King, affectionately known as Gail, was regarded as an exceptional lecturer by all her colleagues and students. Sadly, Gail passed away on 16 April 2012, aged 53, after a brave fight with breast cancer. Dedicated to her profession, Gail was loved and respected by colleagues and students alike – her teaching was often simply described as ‘inspirational’ or ‘legendary’.

Gail is hugely missed by all at the University, but her impact and proud legacy at Salford live on through The Honora Gail King Award for Highest Student Achievement, made possible thanks to a generous donation by Gail’s husband Frank. This special award is conferred annually to the highest achiever in the Anatomy and Physiology course, Gail’s area of expertise.

The Honora Gail King Award for Highest Student Achievement continues to inspire students to pursue the goals of excellence that were so important to Gail, and ensures her legacy lives on at the University long after those whose lives she touched have graduated.

Long term impactSupport to the University comes in many different forms. By choosing to leave a legacy to Salford in their will, our benefactors ensure their memory lives on at the University.

To find out more about leaving a legacy to the University please contact Rachel Tomlins, Development Manager, via r.h.tomlins@salford.ac.uk or +44 (0)161 295 5292

Thank you for your supportWhilst we endeavour to keep you up to date with what’s happening on campus via our regular communications, we appreciate there is nothing quite like visiting the University.

In May 2015, we were delighted to welcome over eighty guests to campus for our second annual donor thank you event. We are always delighted to welcome our supporters back to campus, and you don’t have to be invited to pay us a visit.

If you would like to see the University’s exciting progress and the difference your support makes in person, then please contact Sunny Tailor, Donor Engagement Officer, via s.tailor@salford.ac.uk or on +44 (0)161 295 2446.

You can also update your details with us at any time by contacting Sunny or visiting: www.salford.ac.uk/stayconnected

2828 29

“Your support has given me an invaluable opportunity and the motivation to achieve a life changing degree. I now want to give back and help others who are vulnerable. Thank you.”

“At one point I was considering leaving my course as the odds seemed to be stacked against me. But thanks to you, I am getting closer to my goal of a career in my chosen field.”

“To the Salford family of supporters, I cannot express how grateful I am. You have given me light, you have given me life. Thank you so much.”

“Your generosity inspires success. When the time comes, I hope I can give back or pass on my experience to help others too.”

“I have worked hard and had to take a long route academically to get to Salford. My bursary has made a huge difference to me, helping me to buy books and other essentials and with my travel costs. Your support has given me a wonderful university experience.”

“I am a single mother of two young girls, and felt financial worries at the start of my first year. Thanks to your support, these worries have been lifted and my focus re-aligned to my studies.”

To renew your support and change even more lives, please visit www.salford.ac.uk/donate or call +44 (0)161 295 3432

3130

Office of University Advancement The University of Salford Alumni House, 3 Acton Square The Crescent SALFORD M5 4NY United Kingdom

t: +44 (0)161 295 2446 e: supporters@salford.ac.uk