Harper Adams University Breaks Records with Scholarship Presentation, Awarding Over £600,000

More than £600,000 has been awarded to scholars at a record-breaking Harper Adams Scholarship Presentation – with a dozen new Scholarships also announced.

The annual ceremony is organised by The Harper Adams University Development Trust – with this year’s the first for new Trust Chair, Richard Hambleton.

Mr Hambleton said: “I was honoured to have been asked to chair the Development Trust and I would like to express my sincere thanks to Clive Gurney, my predecessor, for his hard work over many years.

“This year, once again, our generous sponsors and donors’ support means the Development Trust can provide funding that enables our students to achieve their ambitions.

“Once again, too, we have had a tremendous set of applications for the scholarships, and the students who have been selected can all be justly proud of what they have achieved.

“In the last six months I have seen first-hand the unique qualities of dynamic energy and passion of young people who wish to make a difference in their chosen fields, and I have no doubt that any challenge can be mastered if we all continue to work together.

“Congratulations to our scholars and thank you to all our sponsors and donors – we simply could not do what we do without your generosity.”

The event, which is the keystone capping a year of work, offers students, sponsors, donors, University employees and trustees the chance to take stock, mark achievements, network – and celebrate.

In total, 178 Scholarships were awarded this year, with 148 individual students receiving an award or awards and slightly over £600,000 awarded.

New Scholarships awarded for 2024 included:

• The Cargill Scholarship
• The David James Scholarship
• The Dunbia Scholarship
• The JMW Farms Scholarship
• The John Oldacre Foundation PhD Scholarship
• The Lely Atlantic Scholarship
• The Minor, Weir and Willis Scholarship
• The Oxbury Scholarship
• The Rabobank Postgraduate Scholarship
• The Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture Scholarship
• The Shropshire Provincial Grand Lodge Scholarship
• The Worshipful Company of Butchers’ MRes Scholarship
• The Worshipful Company of Butchers’ Gary Baker Award

Scholarships can be funding to assist with final year research, university fees,  conference costs or simply the cost of living.  Some also involve paid work placements with the Sponsor or a related company.

Harper Adams Director of Development and Alumni Relations Doris Taylor said: “2024 has been another record-breaking year, and we are very grateful indeed to all our sponsors for their support.

“This ceremony has always been an opportunity for scholars and their sponsors to meet in person so that our students can express their thanks.

“From their initial Scholarship, our students will often develop a much deeper relationship with their sponsor – whether that is a placement, further study, or the first job in their career in their chosen industry.

“Every Scholarship helps its recipient develop and hone themselves – and make a difference.”

Professor Ken Sloan, Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor, added: “The Scholarship Ceremony is one of my favourite events with our students – and a fantastic chance for me to meet our scholars, sponsors, employees and partners and thank each for their work.

“This year was also Richard’s first as Chair, and I would like to thank him, our Development Trust staff and Trustees too.

“The work of the Trust not only includes the Scholarship Programme, but also work with alumni, industry and benefactors, all of which helps shape the physical infrastructure of Harper Adams.

“The combination of that work, and the kind of commitment we see on display at every Scholarship Ceremony from Scholars, donors, sponsors and partners, really is invaluable.”