In a heartfelt tribute to the late Mark Gardner, a much-loved member of the AJ Bell media team and writer on Shares magazine who sadly passed away in 2022, AJ Bell established the Mark Gardner Award for Journalism in 2024. This award aims to support up-and-coming journalists by offering a cash prize and the opportunity for the winning article to be published in Shares.
The inaugural recipient, Mia Willemsen, a third-year BA Hons Broadcast Journalism student at the University of Salford, was awarded for her outstanding writing skills. Her winning article provided a personal account of living with ADHD, impressing judges with its unique voice and insightful perspective.
This year, the Gardner family has generously increased the prize fund by an additional £4,000, bringing the total award to £5,000. This substantial contribution enhances the award’s impact, and provides even greater support to young journalists. The upcoming award ceremony is scheduled for the 8th May, where the winner will be celebrated for their work.
The competition invites students to write a 300-to-400-word article exploring the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the financial world. Participants are encouraged to consider how AI might affect personal financial management, their current use of AI in finances, their excitement about AI’s financial potential, and the risks associated with AI’s application to money.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of journalists and PR executives. This award not only commemorates Mark Gardner’s legacy but also exemplifies AJ Bell’s commitment to nurturing new talent in journalism.
Tom Sieber, editor of Shares, says: ‘We are delighted to partner with University of Salford for this award and it is a fitting legacy to Mark, and a testament to the generosity of his family, that the prize will make such a significant difference to the winner.’
The University of Salford takes great pride in its students’ achievements and hugely values the support from industry partners like AJ Bell. Collaborations like this provide brilliant opportunities for students to showcase their talents and gain recognition in their respective fields.
Ellie Grayson, Gerry Mason Scholar and BSc Architectural Engineering student
We caught up with Ellie, a first-year BSc Architectural Engineering student and recipient of the Gerry Mason Scholarship. This Scholarship, established in 2015 to honour Gerry Mason, the founder of the Morson Group in 1969, supports aspiring engineers in pursuing STEM courses. This initiative, has established a lasting collaboration between the Morson Group and the University and empowered students like Ellie to succeed
We spoke with Ellie to learn how the scholarship is supporting her academic journey:
What brought you to study at the University of Salford and what do you enjoy most about your time here?
I chose the University of Salford because of its vibrant campus and its convenient location. The SEE building particularly drew me in with its modern and well-equipped facilities, providing an inspiring environment for learning. The best part of my time here has been meeting amazing people from diverse backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective and made my experience truly memorable.
Why did you apply for a donor-funded scholarship?
I applied for a donor-funded scholarship after attending an event through the Go Beyond Women in SEE, where a member of the Philanthropy Team, Ellie, gave a talk about the scholarships and what they offer. I didn’t know these opportunities existed, but after hearing about the incredible support they provide, I knew it was something I wanted to apply for.
Besides the financial support, how has the scholarship impacted your time at the University of Salford?
The scholarship has given me confidence in my projects by showing me that others believe in what I can achieve. This support has motivated me to push myself further and take on new challenges with a stronger sense of self-belief.
How has your scholarship influenced your time at the University of Salford?
My scholarship has influenced my time at the University of Salford by giving me the opportunity to attend events that have boosted my confidence and expanded my knowledge. These events have allowed me to connect with inspiring people, gain new insights, and feel more supported in my academic journey.
Is there anything else you would like our audience to know before we conclude your interview?
I am a founder of the Salford Architectural Society. Being part of this initiative has allowed me to create a space where students can collaborate, share ideas, and engage with the wider architectural community. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience that has further enriched my time at the University of Salford.
Donor-Funded Scholarships and Bursaries make a huge difference to our student’s educational experience, it allows them to gain valuable experience and purchase materials to help with their studies, that may not have been possible before.
If you want to read more stories like Ellie’s, check out our supporter’s blog, and if you want to help fund our scholarships, and support students like Ellie, we would love to hear from you. You can email us at supporters@salford.ac.uk or donate directly here.
Philanthropy is a powerful force that can transform lives in countless ways, whether through long-term giving or one-off donations. It is through this that we can contribute to the advancement of the university through research and the development of the campus and its facilities and create a lasting and meaningful impact on our students’ lives. We are immensely proud of our diverse and dedicated supporter community, which includes alumni, industry partners, and trusts and foundations.
Meet our Philanthropy team !
Nic Whyley, Senior Philanthropy Manager
Image of Nic Whyley, Senior Philanthropy Manage
Nic leads the fundraising team, which sits within the Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement team, expertly managing our fundraising and stewardship. She oversees everything from regular support to major and transformational gifts, and supports fundraising across our priority areas, which includes access and outreach, campus development and research. Nic’s strong background in relationship building spans international education and inward investment. She has successfully attracted overseas students to study in Greater Manchester and encouraged large global businesses to invest in operations here.
When asked about working in the Philanthropy sector, Nic said, ‘my real passion point is building community and placemaking, and bringing people together for the greater good. I’ve always enjoyed brokering engagement and partnerships between industry, education providers and the VCSE sector and so am in my element here at the University of Salford.’
Get to know more about Nic, her fun fact is ‘I spent three years living overseas in Valencia and I am a RHS level 2 qualified horticulturalist.’
Hannah Whitehurst, Philanthropy Manager, Major Gifts
Image of Hannah Whitehurst, Philanthropy Manager, Major Gifts
Hannah manages a portfolio of major donors, including individuals, corporates, and trusts and foundations, to secure philanthropic gifts for a range of programmes and projects across the University. She works closely with donors to build meaningful, long-term relationships, ensuring their giving aligns with their passions and creates lasting impact.
When asked about working in Philanthropy, Hannah said, ‘For me, a huge part about working in philanthropy is about widening access to education, especially through outreach, scholarships and bursaries. Someone once said, ‘Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,’ and that really stuck with me. That’s why I do what I do—connecting generous donors with opportunities to make a real difference in students’ lives.
Get to know more about Hannah, ‘Coming up with fun facts about myself is harder than convincing donors to fund a new scholarship’.
Rachael Baker, Philanthropy Manager, Trusts and Foundations
Image of Rachael Baker, Philanthropy Manager, Trusts and Foundations
Rachael is the newest member of the Philanthropy team. Rachael brings a wealth of experience, having worked in the sector for most of her career. Most recently, she worked as a Senior Manager for Fundraising, Finance, and Communications at an LGBTQ+ youth charity in Manchester.
When asked why she chose to work in Philanthropy, Rachael said, ‘There aren’t many jobs that allow you to develop relationships with such a diverse range of people. I really enjoy figuring out which areas of work will interest people and building from that. I always wanted a job that would have a positive impact, and I find Philanthropy really ticks that box for me.’
Get to know more about Rachael, her fun fact is, ‘My surname is Baker, and I worked as a baker for several years before my career in fundraising!’
Ellie is responsible for engaging the supporter community by leading the Philanthropy team’s stewardship programme. Ellie cultivates long-term relationships with our supporters by actively communicating the impact of their contributions. She makes them feel valued and appreciated through various channels, including a newsletter, mailings and events.
When asked about working in Philanthropy, Ellie said ‘My career journey has naturally led me to philanthropy. Many of my roles have focused on demonstrating impact, and stewardship is the perfect way to highlight the incredible contributions of our supporters.’
Get to know more about Ellie, her fun fact is, ‘I have a very energetic working cocker spaniel, named Rudy, after our favourite pizza restaurant!’
Founded in 2001, Gamma Telecoms Plc, also known as Gamma Communications, is a UK-based telecommunications company. They provide a wide range of communication services and have become a leading provider in the UK specifically for businesses.
In 2024, Gamma generously elected to set up a new scholarship programme, to support two new undergraduate scholarships. Each scholarship provides students with £10,000 over three years of study, showcasing Gamma’s dedication to supporting education and enriching the lives of our students. Philanthropy scholarships are more than just a cash award for our students; it’s a moment of recognition and a testament to our belief in their abilities and potential.
Earlier this year, Chris Smith, the ESG Programme Manager at Gamma, had the opportunity to meet the scholarship recipients, Jess and Ahmed. After a whistle stop tour of the campus, both students took the lead in showcasing the state-of-the-art SEE Building, which is the School of Science Engineering and Environment’s new home for innovation and discovery. They provided an insightful tour, highlighting the various laboratories, collaborative workspaces and industry leading features the building has to offer.
Chris said: ‘It was fantastic to meet our scholars, Jess and Ahmed this week and seeing what enthusiasm and commitment they have to their subjects. Talking with them about their studies and walking on ‘their patch’ on campus brings the whole partnership to life in such an authentic way. I can’t wait to hear how they are getting on over the next 3-4 years and feel very privileged on behalf of Gamma to be their interface with our business.’
Ahmed, a first year Computer Science with Cyber Security student, said, ‘I’m grateful for Gamma’s support through this scholarship and the potential opportunities that it will bring to help shape my future. Meeting Chris from Gamma reinforced how valuable this scholarship is, and I’m excited to see where it leads.’
Jess is a first year Physics student and is excited for the opportunities the scholarships will provide, saying, ‘I am grateful for such a wonderful opportunity, and the amount of overwhelming support I’ve received from this scholarship. I now have access to resources that enrich my education which wasn’t possible without my scholarship, as well as the chance to make the most of my time as a university student. I’m forever thankful to Gamma and the scholarship programme for everything they have done for me.’
Jess, Physics student, Chris, ESG Programme Manager at Gamma and Ahmed, Computer Science and Cyber Security student outside the SEE building.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Gamma for their support of the university and our students. Your generosity is profoundly impacting our scholars, and we look forward to witnessing their continued growth throughout their academic journeys.
The University recently concluded its annual ‘HackCamp’ event, an intensive three-week software development project, which is a key part of the curriculum for second-year Computer Science, Software Engineering and Cyber Security students. This year’s HackCamp saw over 150 students work in small groups to tackle real-world challenges, including dynamic user experience, customer feedback aggregation, and placement search solutions. We rounded this programme off with a showcase event in January, where students presented their solutions to both the academics and their industry partners.
The HackCamp model is designed to simulate a professional project environment, with students employing agile software development methods. They engage in multiple development iterations, each ending with a demonstration of working software to their ‘’clients’ (industry partner). ‘Clients’ provide feedback at the end of each iteration to guide the students. This approach integrates skills and knowledge from across the computing syllabus, and also provides students with invaluable experience working with external companies.
This year several of the university’s scholarship donors engaged with this programme, including representatives from Morson Group and IRIS Software Group. The continued support from these industry partners plays a crucial role in the success of HackCamp, providing students with opportunities to work on live briefs and gain insights into current industry practices. In addition, the latest innovation is that MSc Software Engineering students who learn about Agile Coaching, get the unique opportunity to coach our undergraduate HackCamp teams. This is helping students deliver even better solutions to our industry partners.
Other industry partners involved in this project include; ABL, Bureauveritas, BCS, Chippy Digital, Competa, and Naimuri.
Julian Bass, Professor of Software Engineering, said “Our latest innovation is that MSc Software Engineering students, who learn about Agile Coaching, get the unique opportunity to coach our undergraduate HackCamp teams. This is helping students deliver even better solutions to our industry partners.”
Reflecting on the event, Gloria Iyawa, Senior Lecturer of Software Engineering at the University of Salford, stated, “We are proud of the reputation we have gained with industry in the area of Computer Science through HackCamp and our empirical software engineering research. Our industry partners play a vital role in helping us deliver high calibre programmes.”
HackCamp continues to be a cornerstone of the University of Salford’s commitment to providing industry-relevant education, equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in their future careers.
IRIS Software and their student group, with Julian Bass.
Naimuri, and their student group.
Students at the Hackcamp showcase focusing on their project.
At the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies (SAMCT), the legacy of a former colleague, Colin Lloyd, continues to inspire creativity. Colin was a beloved friend and colleague, who worked at the University on the BA (Hons) Visual Arts programme from 2008 to 2016. His passing in 2021 was a huge loss, but his impact remains.
The programme leader for Fine Art, Brendan Fletcher, has said: ‘We are thrilled that we’re able to remember and commemorate the contribution of Colin Lloyd to the development and the health of the Fine Art programme here at the SAMCT. Veronica and Dave Russell’s generation donation has allowed us to create a lasting memory and testament to his work and his activism which directly supports and benefits our students’.
Their support has included not only financial assistance but also guest lectures, materials and workshops. Most recently, the school welcomed Marlene Smith, one of the founding members of the BLK Art Group, to deliver the Colin Lloyd Memorial Lecture. Funded by the Veronica & Dave bursary scheme, this special lecture brought nearly 100 staff and students together.
Veronica Russell, Marlene Smith and Dave Russell
Veronica and Dave tell us that they are delighted by the impact of the first year of the bursary scheme. ‘The students receiving support are clearly making excellent use of it, especially in terms of buying materials and equipment which are allowing them to demonstrate their talents to the full: their commitment and enthusiasm is obvious. Marlene Smith’s lecture, which we enjoyed tremendously, clearly inspired the students present and elicited really interesting questions from them. We are already looking forward to the degree shows.’
Through their generosity, Veronica and Dave have not only honoured Colin’s memory but have also ensured that his passion for supporting young artists lives on. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to seeing the impact it will continue to create.
You can read more about Colin’s remarkable life and contributions in this touching Guardianobituary.
Bellway is a leading UK homebuilder established in 1946, and they have built a reputation for constructing a diverse range of homes, from affordable housing to luxury properties. At the Energy House 2.0 labs, Bellway has ‘The Future Home’ (see image below) that tests green technologies in real-life scenarios to lower carbon emissions and guide future home construction. They are testing various heating methods, including the UK’s first roof-mounted air source heat pump, infrared panels, mechanical ventilation, double vs. triple glazing, and a heat-recovering shower. Find out more about their home here.
Bellway’s ‘The Future Home’
Following its philanthropic contributions to the ‘Friends of Energy House 2’ campaign, Bellway has generously introduced two new undergraduate scholarships, providing students with £15,000 each over three years of study. This demonstrates its commitment to supporting education and enriching the lives of our students.
Paul Lawler, Bellway’s Group Head of Communications, recently had the pleasure of meeting the scholarship recipients, Louie and Joseph, at a vibrant event celebrating the Friends of Energy House 2.0 campaign. The event was a wonderful opportunity for the scholars to connect with Bellway.
Paul said, ”It was a pleasure to meet Louie and Joseph at our Energy House 2.0 project and learn how our scholarship sponsorship has helped them access higher education at The University of Salford. Through the Friends of Energy House, we are able to build on the work we are doing with the University beyond the research project. So as well as leading the future of homebuilding though the project, we are also able to help the generation develop the skills required to deliver these homes.”
Louie, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student, shared his heartfelt gratitude for Bellway’s support: ”This scholarship will help me afford accommodation, easing the stress of finance, allowing me to focus wholly on my studies. As well as this, I’ll be able to afford a laptop that can run the simulation software I’ll be using in my course.” His enthusiasm and dedication to his studies were evident as he spoke about the positive impact the scholarship would have on his academic journey.
Louie and Paul outside Bellway’s ‘The Future Home’
Joseph, studying Physics, expressed his appreciation: ”The scholarship has provided me with valuable support financially to cover transport whilst commuting to university as well as additional resources such as a laptop to enhance my studies. Potentially, I will be able to attend the Physics Society trip to a place of scientific interest. However, the most exciting prospect is the opportunity of work experience over the summer.”
Joseph and Paul outside Bellway’s ‘The Future Home’
A huge thank you to Bellway for its unwavering support towards the University and our students. Their generosity is making a significant difference to their scholars, whom we look forward to watching continue to grow throughout their academic journeys.
More information
Donor-Funded Scholarships and Bursaries make a huge difference to our student’s educational experience, it allows them to gain valuable experience and purchase materials to help with their studies, that may not have been possible before.
If you want to read more stories like Louie’s and Joseph’s, click the drop under ‘Students and Scholarships’. If you want to help fund our scholarships, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at supporters@salford.ac.uk or simply donate here.
The Progression Project has been a resounding success, offering students the opportunity to explore creativity, build confidence and develop meaningful connections. Through a series of workshops, participants not only gained new skills but also laid the foundation for a group exhibition at New Adelphi.
The workshops were designed to achieve three core goals:
Build confidence – Encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, engage with peers and experiment with new techniques.
Build a community – Create a welcoming environment where students could form friendships and connect across levels of study.
Introduce workshop spaces – Familiarise students with studio and print room environments, enabling them to navigate these resources independently.
Students creating pieces during the Progression Project workshops
The workshops were particularly well-attended by Level 4 Fine Art students and participants fully embraced the creative process. Working within both their own studios and New Adelphi’s print room, students explored diverse techniques such as:
Collage
Monoprint
Cyanotypes
Dry-point prints
A collaborative cross-level final piece
Cut out pictures for Progression Project students
Collage of pictures for Progression Project students
Some students produced as many as three prints during the brief sessions, a remarkable achievement showcasing their enthusiasm and talent.
The project also offered leadership opportunities to Level 6 Fine Art students, with two employed as Workshop Assistants and a third hired to support exhibition setup. These roles provided invaluable experience and enhanced cross-level collaboration, as Foundation Year and Level 4 students benefitted from the guidance of their senior peers.
The highlight of this initiative was witnessing the transformation of students who built connections, who initially struggled with confidence, health or mental health challenges. A Student Progression Adviser (SPA), said, ‘I had the privilege of building stronger relationships with the students. Many opened about challenges they were facing, and we were able to connect them with the university’s Disability and Wellbeing Teams for further assistance.’ For many, these workshops became a turning point, enabling them to submit work for their Trimester 1 modules and take pride in their accomplishments.
The upcoming exhibition in January 2025 will be another milestone for these students. The opening event will invite external guests, further boosting their confidence and visibility as emerging artists.
The Progression Project’s success highlights opportunities for refinement and expansion:
Increased focus on engaging Foundation Year students in future iterations
Exploration of how small, informal groups support student learning and retention
Ongoing monitoring to evaluate long-term impacts on student success
The findings will be shared at Congress within the school, sparking conversations about how similar initiatives could benefit other programmes.
This project would not have been possible without the funding and support provided by our generous supporters. It has been an incredible journey to see students create meaningful work, forge connections and gain confidence. As the January 2025 exhibition approaches, we look forward to celebrating their achievements and the community we’ve built together.
We are delighted to announce the creation of the University of Salford Campus Heritage Trail, an exciting initiative designed to bring the rich history of our university to life. This permanent feature on our campus invites students, staff and visitors to explore and connect with our heritage in a new and interactive way.
The Campus Heritage Trail consists of twelve checkpoints strategically placed around campus. Each checkpoint is equipped with a QR code that links to webpages showcasing captivating material from the University Archives. These checkpoints offer a unique glimpse into Salford’s history, telling the story of our university’s journey and its contributions to education and the community.
This project is more than a series of informational markers. It’s an on-campus activity designed to enhance the experiences of new and returning students, staff and visitors alike. Whether you’re exploring Salford for the first time or rediscovering its familiar paths, the trail creates an opportunity to engage with the campus in a meaningful and enriching way.
Since the installation of the checkpoints in August 2024, the Campus Heritage Trail has already begun to make an impact. Despite not being actively promoted yet, there has been almost 200 users of the trail’s webpages. We anticipate these numbers will grow significantly as we launch a comprehensive promotional campaign in the New Year for Welcome Week.
The Campus Heritage Trail is designed to have a lasting impact that extends beyond its physical presence. It will enrich educational experiences by serving as a resource for modules on courses such as Contemporary History, where academic staff plan to integrate the trail into project briefs. It will also strengthen community ties by providing a shared cultural and historical experience for visitors, prospective students and new colleagues.
Join us on the trail
We are thrilled to have established a permanent heritage trail that highlights the history and spirit of the University of Salford. This initiative not only enhances our campus estate but also serves as a bridge between past and present, enriching cultural understanding and fostering a sense of community.
We invite you to embark on the Campus Heritage Trail journey and explore the stories that make Salford truly unique. Together, let’s celebrate the legacy of the University of Salford and create new connections for years to come.
The Creative Encounters 2024 Project engaged 129 students from three schools in Salford, offering them experiences in four creative disciplines: Art, Design, Photography and Textiles. Most groups participated in three online sessions led by Lead Artist, Jack Brown, who collaborated with independent creatives from across Manchester. Jack has supported the programme and watched it grow over the past six years, Jack has said:
‘I really enjoy building long-term working relationships with the different arts departments and their teachers. I’ve been working with some teachers for over six years now, and we’ve built a trusting partnership that allows for more experimentation and risk-taking. This has led to exciting innovations within the project. For example, a last-minute date changes once prompted me to create an impromptu ‘DIY lighting’ photography workshop, which, unexpectedly, became one of the best workshops I now run.’
The programme also included an in-person visit day, featuring a workshop hosted by one of the university departments, a guided tour of the degree show and a student life session with Student Ambassadors. In cases where an on-campus visit wasn’t possible, students participated in an online careers’ session instead. Jack has said some of the benefits of going online have been, ‘the Q and A’s between students and arts professionals work better online that they did face to face, it feels like students have more time to prep questions, everyone feels less self-conscious and the artists/creatives give better answers too.’
Students who participated in the programme were asked, ‘what extra knowledge did you gain through this activity?’ and they were met with a flurry of positive feedback:
‘University is not just working but gives you an opportunity to make connections’
‘The programme made me think more about my future’
‘I gained some new ideas while I was checking other artwork’
‘There is a lot more ways to express my ideas in exhibitions/displays’
Teachers were asked about whether their pupils that took part in the programme now have learnt about the benefits of higher education. The improvements that teaching staff have seen in their pupils since taking part in the Creative Encounters project have been quoted as:
‘Pupils have had a creative burst, many thinking about skills learnt in sessions and applying them in class’
‘Confidence when discussing and creating ideas. Students have spoken about careers in art’
‘Some students used the work created in the sessions to support their coursework’
To see how the programme has developed over the years, check out the Encounters web page.
We hope you are inspired by what you have read today. Funds like this help to support our students to enhance the student experience, academic developments and the University’s environment. Projects the Salford Advantage fund has supported in the past has included improving student facilities, creating new opportunities and have fostered community engagement. Every gift makes a difference in our students’ journeys. Learn more about our causes and donate here.
