Spring 2013

The magazine for Reading donors

M A T T E R S

ThankYOULIVEStransforming

for

See how philanthropy is transforming the University, its students and the wider world

Raising the ambitions of our students p4

Your philanthropy in pictures p6

Supporting sporting excellence p8

Let’s talk about mental health p16

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Welcome to the 2013 edition of Giving Matters. This is the magazine which showcases the extraordinary impact your philanthropy has on the University and its students.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the wonderful opportunities you make possible through your donations. Every gift you make changes at least one person’s life for the better. More often than not, your support makes a positive difference to the lives of many.

This edition of Giving Matters casts the spotlight on two areas of our groundbreaking research which have both been advanced, thanks to philanthropy. We hear the very personal story behind the remarkable Charlie Waller Institute, which is celebrating five years of pioneering mental health research. We also go behind the scenes with the team in the University’s dedicated nutrition unit, which is investigating the relationship between diet and the risk of chronic disease.

It is always a particular pleasure to introduce talented students who are realising their full potential through your support. For some, that will be through a bursary. For others, it might be with the support of a mentor or by participating in a new project that will help make the University of Reading an even better place to live and study.

Your generosity enables the University of Reading to do things that would otherwise not be possible. We can increase the scope and impact of our research, raise the aspirations of our students and uphold the University’s reputation as a world-class institution. Over the next few pages, I hope you will enjoy the many and various stories which illustrate this transformational power of philanthropy in action.

On behalf of the staff and students, thank you for your continuing support to the University of Reading.

Sir David Bell KCB, Vice-Chancellor

Top 3 most generous halls

Donations by faculty

Most philanthropic subject areas

Most generous regions outside the UK

Graduating class with the most donors Number of alumni donors worldwide

What inspired you to donate

of donations received were made after speaking to one of our team

of gifts were made after speaking to a current student through the Annual Fund telephone campaign

of donations were made in response to receiving our publications, such as Connected Magazine

Donors by gender

Childs Wantage St Patricks

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£3.6 MILLION R AISED TO TR ANSFOR M LIVES THROUGH THE ANNUAL FUND

Agriculture, Policy & Development

Real Estate & Planning Law

35%65% REGULAR DONATIONS

SINGLE GIFTS

1996 5,615

6%

14%

80%

35%

23%22%

20% Arts, Humanities and Social Science

Life Sciences

Science

Henley Business

School

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Transforming livesYour donations raise the ambitions of our students, help them to realise their full potential and give them opportunities to succeed in ways they never thought possible. Meet four of our students who are enjoying every moment of their university experience thanks to your support. Each has received a very different type of bursary during their time here and has their own inspiring story to tell.

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Shaama Reese | BSc Psychology 2015

‘I want to train as a Clinical Psychologist after I complete my undergraduate degree, and I’m now one step closer to achieving that dream thanks to the support of an Alumni Bursary, which is helping to fund my studies in Psychology. Being granted this opportunity has inspired me to make the most of every moment of my university experience. I’m currently the Female Welfare Representative for Childs Hall JCR Committee, an Open Day Ambassador, and soon-to-be Social Secretary for the Cheerleading Society; roles which give me a chance to lend my own support to current and future students. Thank you to all the donors who are making this possible.’

Photo: Shaama outside the new Childs Hall, which welcomed its first cohort of students, including Shaama, in 2012, having been re-built

Rebecca Roper | BA Economics 2013

‘Lacrosse has always been an important part of my life and I love that I can continue this passion at university. As President of the Lacrosse Club, I’ve seen both the men and women’s teams achieve promotion into national leagues in the last year and we all continue to perform exceptionally well. Moving up to the higher league has been challenging – expectations are higher for a start – but with the help of the Annual Fund, we’ve been able to purchase the very best lacrosse equipment to raise the sights of our current and prospective team members. On behalf of the Lacrosse team, I would like to say a huge thank you to all donors to the Annual Fund. The grant we received will enable our club to continue growing and achieve great results within the national leagues.’

Photo: Rebecca on the astroturf pitch where the Lacrosse team train

Annual Fund grant recipientAlumni Bursary

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Louisa-Helen Fröhlich | MA Typeface Design 2013

‘As a designer, I have always enjoyed working with well-designed fonts. Now I am realising my dream of enlarging their number as I have been given a wonderful opportunity to study Typeface Design at the University of Reading, where I have access to rare collections and amazing tutors who really care about my work. The Alumni Typeface Design Studentship is enabling me to concentrate without distraction or worries on my studies, and I am most grateful for this. I would especially like to thank the alumnus who is funding my scholarship. It means a lot to me and one day I would like to support another student in the same way.’

Photo: Louisa in the corridors of the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication, alongside some of the outstanding items from the Department’s collections

Adam Paiserbek | BA Economics 2014

‘I was honoured to be awarded a Study Abroad Bursary to study in Ottawa, Canada, for a year as part of my university experience. I have travelled further than I would have ever expected upon commencing my studies at the University of Reading, and taken part in projects and events which would never have crossed my mind before arriving in Ottawa. I have been faced with a different culture, and a whole new perspective of thinking about the world from the opposite shore of the Atlantic Ocean. This year has made me a better educated, more experienced and somehow a more farsighted person.’

Photo: Adam on the shore of St Laurent Bay, Quebec, Canada

Study Abroad BursaryAlumni Typeface Design Studentship

‘My scholarship means a lot to me and one day I would like to support another student in the same way.’Louisa-Helen Fröhlich | MA Typeface Design 2013

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Getting closer to carbonPictured here are a team of Environmental Science students measuring carbon dioxide emissions from the soil, using state-of-the-art equipment funded by donations. ‘Hands on’ experience like this enables our students to conduct meaningful research, which is aimed at tackling real world environmental problems.

Careers.comCareer prospects, beyond graduation, matter more than ever to our students. The Virtual Careers Fair puts students in touch with a wider range of graduate employers than is possible with tradi-tional face-to-face careers events.

Inspiring new chemistsThe Annual Fund is helping to inspire school pupils to see their education in a new light by supporting the Chemistry Ambassadors initiative, in which our chemistry students are visiting local schools to encourage the next generation of scientists at Reading. A similar project is happening in the School of Law.

Your philanthropy in picturesHere’s a snapshot of some of the wonderful work that has been made possible thanks to your generous donations to the Annual Fund.

Adventures at sea Members of the University’s Sub Aqua Club have been busy restoring one of their diving boats to a safe, seaworthy condition. The crew can now offer more diving adventures to fellow students as they no longer have to rely on hiring cost-ly equipment and, importantly, have the resource to train new diving leaders who are essential to sustaining the club, year on year.

The Annual FundThe Annual Fund was established in 2004 to help current and future students at the University. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, staff and friends, we’ve raised £3.6 million, supporting thousands of students. Your donations have made a range of academic and extra-curricular projects possible across campus, and importantly, provided invaluable financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to consider or continue their university education.

International M

asters Bursaries

The sound of musicDrums crash, trumpets cry and saxophones reverberate when this group of talented musicians get together. Musical students at the University have long wanted to establish a Big Band. Now their dream has come true, as the Annual Fund has supported the creation of this new ensemble.

First aiders to the rescueThe St John Ambulance society has new first aid trainers on campus, which is a huge asset to the University and the wider community. Without the support from the Annual Fund the society would not have survived. Now for the second year running, the crew are a triple award-winning society looking to get even bigger in the near future.

Delicious and nutritiousArmed with their spades, wheelbarrows and forks, meet the dedicated student vol-unteers who are transforming a patch of the Whiteknights campus into a vegetable garden. The project, known as Student Eats, is a nationwide campaign led by the National Union of Students (NUS). Produce, which includes ethnic and exotic crops, is sold at a low cost to other stu-dents and catering outlets on campus, and sees volunteers going into local charities and schools to run cookery sessions.

Intrepid explorersA new high-tech camera has opened up many possibilities for the Caving Club, who can now capture the stunning sights and geological discoveries they make during their caving expeditions. The team are using their photographs to produce profitable merchandise, raise the profile of the University’s Caving Club in nationwide publications, and secure further sponsorship.

Did you know there are nine funds dedicated to providing financial support to students at Reading? Each year, over half of the money raised through the Annual Fund helps hundreds of current students who would otherwise not be able to consider or continue their university education.

Alumni Bursaries International Hardship Fund

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Donor Study and Travel FundDisability Support Fund

Anniversary Bursaries

Hardship Fund for Postgraduates

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John Nike OBE DL | Fact file

John Nike OBE DL moved to Berkshire in 1964. He acquired 60 acres of land near Bracknell town in 1969, with the original plan to build a garden centre, before realising his dream of establishing a leisure complex.

After several years of persuading the authorities that a ski slope and ice rink would be of benefit to the local community, John obtained planning permission to build a leisure sport complex in 1979.

He founded Berkshire’s first ski slope in 1985 and the country’s first Olympic-sized ice rink in 1987. John has since expanded his John Nike Leisuresport Ltd business across the UK.

He also owns the four star Coppid Beech Hotel, next to the Bracknell sport complex.

John was awarded an OBE in the 2002 New Year’s honours list.

He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire in 2005.

John is married to Suzanne, a teacher. They have two children, Kathryn and Christopher, who are both Directors and Shareholders of the family business. Kathryn is John’s Executive PA and Christopher is an IT Director.

He currently employs circa 500 staff across his businesses.

Most recently, John has supported our new Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, along with major grants from the Wolfson Foundation and the British Heart Foundation. This project is due for completion later in 2013, and we look forward to reporting further in next year’s Giving Matters!

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‘The John Nike Sports Scholarship is inspired by my own dreams as a young wartime child when, despite my learning and sporting ability, such opportunities were not affordable.’John Nike OBE DL

As well as funding The John Nike Lecture Theatre in the Agriculture building in 2001, John’s philanthropy has played a crucial role in advancing our cardiovascular and metabolic research and supporting hundreds of students through their studies.

In 2009, John made a commitment to encouraging sporting excellence at the University of Reading, founding the John Nike Sports Scholarship.

Each year, the John Nike Sports Scholarship is awarded to an athlete who shows a genuine chance of competing in the Olympic Games. This year’s scholar is Caragh McMurtry, an outstanding rower who is in her final year studying Archaeology and Classics.

Before we meet Caragh we hear John’s feelings about the scholarship:

‘My long association with the University of Reading has allowed doors to open through which I am able to feel pleasure in my ‘giving’ to support the educational enlargement of this fine facility. This asso-ciation has led to further involvement and provided the opportunity for the found-ing of the John Nike Sports Scholarship: a scholarship that provides support for selected students who have outstanding athletic ability with Olympian potential.

‘In many ways, this support is inspired by my own dreams as a young wartime child when, despite my learning and sporting ability, such opportunities were not affordable. These young desires are now shared through philanthropy, where I share the dream of success and feel fulfilment through provid-ing for other talented recipients.’

John Nike Supporting sporting excellenceJohn Nike OBE DL is a remarkable entrepreneur and major philanthropist who has long been a supporter of the University of Reading.

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John Nike Supporting sporting excellenceCaragh McMurtry: Full-time student and outstanding rowerCaragh is this year’s recipient of the John Nike Sports Scholarship. Here, she shares the story of her rowing career and University experience.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Reading?

My university experience was always going to be tied up with rowing, but at the same time I knew I had to gain a degree because if I ever stop rowing, I’ll need a career. The University of Reading was a great choice for me because it offered the chance to study a joint degree in two subjects I’m very interested in – Archaeology and Classics – while providing the excellent support and facilities to help me excel as a rower.

What difference has the John Nike Sports Scholarship made to you?

Before I was awarded this scholarship, I was struggling to cope. I used to work in a bar until 3am to earn money, buy cheap food and was constantly tired and under-nourished, which of course is no good when you’re training to be at the top of your sport. The John Nike Sports Scholarship has defined me. Without it, I wouldn’t have got to this level in my sport and I’m so grateful to John for supporting students like me. Being given this opportunity is an amazing incentive to achieve and my attitude to my

studies and my sport has become so much more professional as a result.

You’ve already achieved some brilliant results. What have been your highlights?

Winning a silver medal in the World Rowing Under 23 Champi-

onships in 2012 was amazing. I also raced in the Women’s Pair at the 2012

European Rowing Championships in Italy last year, where we won a silver medal, followed by a bronze in the Women’s Eight squad. Great Britain hadn’t won a medal at that particular competition in a while, so it felt fantastic to achieve two – especially as it was my first senior race!

Should we keep an eye out for you in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio?

Definitely. When I feel at my most exhausted, I imagine that I’ll take part in one Olympic Games. When I am on a stint of performing exceptionally well, I think I can conquer the world and manage five Olympic seasons!

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Donor Day 2013

Professor Adrian Bell, Head of the ICMA Centre, in his ever engaging and witty style, discussed the parallels between financial crises today and those 800 years ago.

Over 100 donors, one Olympic gold medallist and a wonderful array of exhibitions came together at this year’s Donor Day, sponsored by Haslams, to celebrate the difference that philanthropy makes to the University of Reading.The event took place at the University’s Henley Business School on the beautiful Greenlands campus, in Henley-on-Thames, and marked five years since the University merged with Henley Management College to create Henley Business School.

Enjoy our pick of highlights from the day.

Law student Jack Cooper, founder of the donor-funded

Access to Law initiative, told guests about the success of the scheme, which sees students visiting local schools to enhance awareness of, and aspirations for, legal studies in higher education.

The Dance Society enjoyed entertaining the crowds and saying thank you for the Annual Fund grant they received last year, enabling them to purchase new equipment. By chance, we discovered that one of our guests was the founder of the ballroom society during his time at Reading! Derek Hope – who gained his undergraduate degree, Masters and PhD at the University of Reading – was delighted to meet current members of the Dance Society.

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We were delighted to be joined by Olympic rowing champion Anna Watkins at this year’s Donor Day. Anna, who is studying for a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Reading, won a gold medal with Katherine Grainger at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Sharing her Olympic journey with guests, she highlighted the technical pre-cision, emotional energy and ‘winning mentality’ needed to become a champion.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed Donor Day. It was great to meet so many inspirational people and get a true sense of what the University’s alumni have gone on to do as well as the wonderful things that are happening now at Reading. I enjoyed being able to share my Olympic journey and how Reading has supported me in that. Thank you to everyone involved.’Anna Watkins, PhD Mathematics, speaker at Donor Day

Donors learnt about the Online Storms Tool they have supported,

which is enabling Meteorology students to explore, understand and predict the development of storms impacting Europe.

We are very grateful to Haslams Chartered Surveyors for their continued sponsorship of Donor Day.

‘I was lucky enough to go to Madagascar at the end of my first year, due to the support of a legacy donation. We experienced life at an active research station and conducted our own data collection for independent projects. It was a life-changing experience and I am now thinking of following a research career so I can continue to make a difference.’Becky Mott, BSc Zoology 2014, speaker at Donor Day

‘Not long after I started my education at Reading, my course place was in jeopardy. The bursary I was awarded by the Reading Real Estate Foundation was invaluable, and allowed me to make the most of my time studying at the University. As a result, I finished my Masters and went straight into employment. I wouldn’t be where I am today without such generous support so I speak on behalf of all other students who have received a bursary when I say thank you!’Luke Appleby, MSc Real Estate 2010, speaker at Donor Day

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A day in the life…Karen Jenkins, Specialist Research Nurse in the University of Reading’s Hugh Sinclair Unit.

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Situated within the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences lies the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition – the University’s dedicated facility for research into the relationship between diet and the risk of chronic disease.

Every day, the team within the Unit carry out clinical trials on volunteers, to collect vital evidence to support their research. In July 2011, the trustees of the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust awarded a grant to the Hugh Sinclair Unit to support the appointment of two specialist research nurses. Here, we meet one of them: Karen Jenkins.

Since Karen has been in post, the Unit has been able to increase the number of research studies that can be carried out, by expanding the teams’ capacity at their busiest times of day. Having Karen on board has also left our academics with more time to focus on their research.

Here, Karen talks us through a typical day working in the Hugh Sinclair Unit.7.30 am: My working day always starts early as I need to help set up the Unit so it’s ready for our volunteers, who arrive first thing.

7.45 am: After the volunteers have been welcomed to the Unit, I take their basic measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate and waist and hip circumference. These measurements are taken at each study visit. Some people will be taking part in studies which involve multiple visits to the Unit, so I get to know some of our volunteers very well.

8.30 am: Many of our volunteers will have several blood samples taken from them at various points of the day. To aid this process, I insert a plastic cannula – a small tube-like structure – into a vein in their arm, which allows frequent blood sampling.

9.00 am: Breakfast is served. Our volunteers arrive at the Unit after a night of fasting, which means they are often hungry by this point! We ask them to complete appetite questionnaires at regular intervals.

All of our volunteers are taking part in dietary intervention studies, whereby they are asked to consume certain food or drink products while having various observations recorded and samples collected. We have a range of studies taking place at any one time, but all of them have one thing in common: to better understand how and if a particular diet affects the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease.

9.30 am: The morning is always the busiest time in the Unit. Blood samples are collected at specific times throughout the morning and are analysed within the University.

12.30 pm: At lunchtime, I’ll prepare meals for our volunteers and continue recording observations and collecting samples. The type of study that the volunteer is taking part in will determine what they eat and drink. For example, one branch of the Unit’s research is looking at whether eating more broccoli reduces our risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Another study is exploring how certain types of fibre in the diet can improve the balance of bacteria in the gut and may also influence appetite regulation.

2.00 pm: Before I head home for the day, I will do one last check to ensure that all of our volunteers are relaxed and comfortable. Looking after the wellbeing of our volunteers is my number one priority.

Karen Jenkins BiographyKaren is a Registered General Nurse who has spent most of her career to date in General Practice. When she is not working in the University’s Hugh Sinclair Unit, she works at a local GP surgery, where a key part of her role is to give advice and screenings relating to the prevention of coronary heart disease and diabetes. Karen has always had a special interest in nutrition and is about to commence a diploma in diet and nutrition this summer.

The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust

The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust awards grants to charitable organisations in the UK which are undertaking projects in education, medicine and welfare.

Dr Sara Levene, trustee of the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust, tells us why they have chosen to support the work of the Hugh Sinclair Unit at the University of Reading:

‘The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust likes to look beyond the conditions and techniques that receive massive popular funding to projects where the approach is different. We also like to see research into conditions that affect lots of people on a day to day basis even though they don’t hit the headlines. In addition, one of our trustees is very interested in complementary medicine. So the research that is happening at the University of Reading into nutrition and diet, and its impact on a variety of health issues, ticked a lot of boxes for us.’

Are you interested in registering as a volunteer for the Hugh Sinclair Unit? Please contact Jan Luff at j.e.luff@reading.ac.ukWould you like to support research into health and nutrition? Please contact Richard Norman at r.a.norman@reading.ac.uk

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‘I was very pleased when I found out that Sue was my mentor. Having a contact who has so much experience and time to share with me has proved invaluable. When beginning my mentoring partnership I was unsure which sector of real estate I wanted to follow, however, with Sue’s guidance, I decided on development. I now have upcoming work experience with CBRE in that sector. I believe the opportunities provided for me through RREF have greatly benefited my career prospects.’

Catherine Wade (BSc Real Estate 2014)

• In 2008, 182 mentors volunteered their time. This has since grown to over 330.

• In 2010, the first Mentoring Reception was organised to give the opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet with other participants and improve students’ confidence in business situations.

• In 2011, the Mentoring Awards were established to recognise and reward exceptional commitment, enthusiasm and proactivity of mentees and mentors involved in the programme.

• Since its launch, the Mentoring Programme has helped over 1,000 students through their studies.

• The John Tranter Memorial Fund, set up in memory of John Tranter (MSc Real Estate 2003) who was a mentor himself, supports the Mentoring Awards and Mentoring Reception.

• An International E-Mentoring Scheme was established in 2012 to offer further support to non-UK students. This new addition to the programme already boasts 40 non-UK based alumni.

Mentoring mattersWe are incredibly grateful to all of our alumni who are volunteering their time, advice and financial support to mentor our students across a range of subjects. Here, we take a look at the outstanding mentoring programme set up by the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) – the organisation which provides support for real estate education at the University of Reading. The RREF Mentoring Programme was set up in 2008 to enhance the excellence of Real Estate & Planning students’ learning experience and to broaden engagement with alumni. The programme is thought to be the largest of its kind in the UK and the 330 alumni currently involved provide the capacity for every student studying Real Estate & Planning to be allocated a mentor to better prepare them for employment.

‘The scheme is important for those who don’t already have connections in the industry and it means they have someone off whom to bounce ideas. RREF’s ability to run the mentoring programme and other professional development initiatives relies not only on alumni who volunteer, but also on receiving donations to cover the costs associated with managing the scheme. All mentors and mentees are very grateful for the generosity of the donors who make this scheme possible.’

Sue Clayton (BSc Estate Management 1979) Executive Director, Capital Markets, RREF Trustee

Forming connections in the industry

Dev

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lent and enthusiasm

Mentoring matters Facts and figures

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‘Today more than ever, investors seek real estate opportunities on an international level. RREF’s International Mentoring Scheme recognizes that. I have been assigned two mentors – Christian and another who is based in London. In our meetings and conversations they give me valuable advice for kicking off my career. The RREF International E-Mentoring Scheme adds immensely to my MSc Real Estate experience and helps me build a professional network across Europe.’

Sebastian Gey (MSc Real Estate 2013)

‘Coming from a family without real estate connections, and a country with a narrow perspective of the sector (Bermuda), I am very grateful for the advice I’ve received in the mentoring scheme. I’ve enhanced my understanding of the industry and obtained essential skills not taught in the classroom. I encourage all mentors and donors to continue their efforts so initiatives that I have benefited greatly from can help strengthen the next generation of students – this industry’s future.’

Sierra Bell (BSc Investment & Finance in Property 2014)

‘Giving something back to RREF and the institution where I studied makes me proud. Sebastian approached me for advice on what to specialise in during his upcoming term, and through our detailed discussions about real-life real estate challenges he was able to make a more informed decision. Being based in Frankfurt, I found no difficulties in supporting Sebastian through the International E-Mentoring Scheme: another proof of our real estate world becoming more and more international and dependent across markets and boundaries.’

Christian Bock (MSc Real Estate Finance and Investment 2010) Associate Director, IVG Asset Management GmbH

‘I’m very proud to be involved with the RREF mentoring scheme and recognise the value of mentoring at all levels, even for the more experienced players in the industry! The property sector is built around people, and developing talent and enthusiasm allows the industry to constantly evolve. As a donor to RREF, I am honoured to be able to contribute towards helping the real estate and planning students continue to push boundaries and move the industry forward.’

Paddy Allen (BSc Land Management 2005) Director, Allen Wargent

Building a professional network across Europe

Dev

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lent and enthusiasm

‘I’ve enhanced my understanding of the industry and obtained essential skills not taught in the classroom.’Sierra Bell (BSc Investment & Finance in Property 2014)

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The Charlie Waller Institute (CWI) changes people’s lives. Situated on the Whiteknights campus, the CWI is a collaborative initiative between the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the University of Reading, and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Established in 2008, the CWI is committed to training therapists in psychological therapies that have been proven to work, providing hope to millions of people who are suffering with mental health problems.

Let’s talk about

Celebrating five years of pioneering mental health treatment at the University of Reading.

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The Charlie Waller Memorial TrustThe Charlie Waller Memorial Trust was set up in 1998 in memory of Charlie (pictured), a Berkshire man who suffered from depression and took his own life at the age of 28. His parents, The Rt. Hon Sir Mark Waller and Lady Waller, set up a Trust in his memory to raise awareness of the nature and dangers of depression, reduce stigma and train clinicians in effective psychological therapies.

Here, Charlie’s father, Sir Mark, tells us why he and his wife Rachel chose to work with the University of Reading to set up the Charlie Waller Institute.

‘One of the aims of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust is to get more therapists trained in psychological therapies that are shown to work. It was this aim that led to it co-founding a Chair in Evidence Based Therapies at the University of Reading. Its first Professor was Roz Shafran. Little did we appreciate how things would develop.

‘Roz and her team formed the Charlie Waller Institute which now has a worldwide reputation for excellence in achieving that training and in researching the therapies that work. It is wonderful that the Institute is celebrating its fifth anniversary and that the team, now led by Professor Shirley Reynolds, seems to be going from strength to strength.

‘We are grateful for all the hard work that has made the Charlie Waller Institute a success and hope it continues to do the valuable work that we believe it does.’

Five years, five facts from the Charlie Waller Institute

For more information please visit: www.reading.ac.uk/charliewaller

Would you like to support pioneering mental health treat-ment in the Charlie Waller Institute? Please contact Shaun Horan at s.horan@reading.ac.uk

Only 25% of the 6 million people in the UK with depres-sion are receiving treatment,and just two thirds of these people receive treatment which could be considered ‘minimally adequate’. The CWI attracts world experts who help train local NHS staff to use the most effective therapy when treating patients, leading to more efficient and accessible treatment for those who are suffering.

The CWI has trained over 300 highly skilled mental health clinicians. In addition, the Institute has provided over 5,000 training days to support improvements in mental health care across the UK.

CWI is at the forefront of psychological research. As well as training clinicians who go on to make a real difference to peo-ple’s lives, the team currently have studies investigating treatments for adolescents with depression, adults and young people who have obses-sive compulsive disorder and those with post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

One in ten children and young people in the UK have a diagnos-able mental health problem. The CWI is working with over 500 young people aged 12–18 who have depression to discover which treat-ment is most successful and effec-tive in preventing relapse.

The CWI was the first of its type to train clinicians in proven psychological treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

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430,500 is a magic numberIn the last few months alone, over 1000 graduates have donated more than £430,500 to transform the lives of current and prospective students at the University.

These donations were raised in just nine weeks as part of the University’s autumn and spring Annual Fund telephone campaigns, which take place every year to raise funds to enhance the student experience on and around campus. Dominic Alexander (BSc Animal Science 1997) is one of our generous graduates who made a gift in the most recent campaign:

‘The University of Reading fostered my interest in science and research. Without the degree from Reading, I would never have gained a place at Veterinary School. I donated because others should be given a similar opportunity to achieve.’ Since the Annual Fund was established in 2004, alumni have donated over £3.6 million. Many of you have pledged your ongoing support through a Direct Debit too, and in doing so, joined our Blandford Club.

To find out more about the benefits of joining our Blandford Club, please contact Edd Pickering, Head of Individual Giving at e.w.pickering@reading.ac.uk

Santander helps students soarStudents at the University will benefit from a generous gift of £120,000 from Santander through its Santander Universities Global Division.

The gift, which forms part of a three-year agreement, will set up new scholarships for postgraduate students from Latin America, allow the University’s rowers to train at an elite venue in Spain and fund a week long business start-up boot camp for students who wish to follow an entrepreneurial career.

Santander Universities has been working with Higher Education providers around the globe for over 15 years and was interested in working with Reading due to its international spirit and cutting-edge approach.

Donor news

Transforming lives in Real Estate & PlanningThe Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) has launched an Annual Fund to support key areas within Real Estate & Planning. There are currently 135 donors to the RREF Annual Fund and the inaugural RREF Telethon raised £22,800, a testament to the generosity of Real Estate & Planning alumni.

The good news continues as the Trustees of the 1725 Heritage Trust have established the Drivers Jonas 1725 Bursary to support students facing financial hardship. Drivers Jonas was founded in 1725, merged with Deloitte in 2010 and has since been rebranded as Deloitte Real Estate. Through this bursary, the Trustees of the 1725 Heritage Trust have ensured that the achievements of an historic firm will be shared with new generations of real estate professionals.

‘The generosity of the 1725 Heritage Trust has had a profound impact on my life. Initiatives like this are important as they enable young people from all backgrounds to progress in education and embark upon rewarding careers.’ Recipient of The Drivers Jonas 1725 Bursary.

To find out more, please contact Helen Longworth, Development Manager, Reading Real Estate Foundation at h.longworth@rref.reading.ac.uk

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Getting down to business Henley Business School, with the support of the Graduating Class of 2012, has launched the first Graduating Class Gift. The funds raised will be used for a variety of projects including bursaries and scholarships for students undertaking their MBA.

Professor John Board, Dean of Henley Business School, would like to thank the 2012 graduates for their support. Following on from this success, we will be inviting students graduating in 2013 to make a gift to the Henley Alumni Fund.

To find out more, please contact Nicola Butler at nicola.butler@henley.ac.uk

President’s Breakfast Zero-carbon thinkingLeading donors to the University discovered more about delivering ‘zero-carbon’, the biggest challenge faced by the UK new build housing sector to date, at this year’s President’s Breakfast Forum.

In 2006, the UK Government stated that all new homes must be zero-carbon by 2016. During February’s President’s Breakfast Forum, Professor Martin Sexton, Director of Research in the University’s School of Construction Management and Engineering, discussed the difficulties of delivering this policy within the next four years; revealing that a lack of imagination between Government, developers and consumers could be hindering progress.

The event, hosted by KPMG, provided the opportunity for guests to share their thoughts on Professor Sexton’s groundbreaking research with one another and to exchange their latest news with members of the University’s senior management team.

The President’s Breakfast Forum is an annual event held exclusively for our Reading Pioneers, who each make gifts of £1,000 a year or more to ensure that the University continues to excel and build upon its success as a world-class institution.

To find out more, please contact Edd Pickering at e.w.pickering@reading.ac.uk

The Palmer SocietyMembers of the Palmer Society, which was established in 2009 to bring together the many generous alumni and friends who have included a legacy to Reading in their will, are looking forward to a special afternoon tea with the Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, this June.

The afternoon tea, which will be hosted by Sir David at his home on the University farm, marks an opportunity for guests to hear how their long-term support will make a difference to the future of the University of Reading.

The Society takes its name from the Palmer family, whose bequests and donations were so fundamental in shaping the University in its early years.

Today, a gift in your will remains one of the most significant ways of supporting Reading’s future success. Legacies can be used to support a wide range of projects across the University; from ground-breaking research to bursaries, scholarships or travel grants for students, so even a modest legacy can have a life-changing impact.

If you are considering remembering Reading in your will, we would be delighted to discuss this with you in more detail. Please contact: Hatty Masser, Planned Giving Manager at h.masser@reading.ac.uk

Sponsorship for elite athletesOur internationally renowned Boat Club (RUBC) has received sponsorship which will boost the top-class facilities enjoyed by its members.

The generous donation was made by IFS 360 Scheduling, the world’s leading supplier of real-time mobile workforce scheduling and optimisation software. Their new sponsorship will enable RUBC to purchase additional state-of-the-art equipment and support its ever growing number of active members.

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And finally…Did you know that alumni of the University of Reading are entitled to many special offers and exclusive benefits, including discounts for further study? Find out more: www.alumni.reading.ac.uk/benefits/otherbenefits

For more information, please contact:

Shanti Windsor Donor Stewardship ManagerCampaigns and Supporter Engagement Office University of Reading Blandford Lodge Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6AH

s.d.windsor@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0118) 378 8268

www.reading.ac.uk/alumni/support

Blandy & Blandy solicitors is proud to sponsor Giving Matters. The firm, established in 1733, is located in the heart of Reading and has developed strong affiliations with the University of Reading over a number of years, and we are pleased to have a significant number of alumni within our staff. With specialist lawyers across family, private client, corporate, commercial, employment, litigation, planning and property work, we are on hand to help you, offering a professional solution and peace of mind.

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