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How we work with you

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

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.’

Get in touch: N.Whyley@salford.ac.uk

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’.

Get in touch: H.C.Whitehurst@salford.ac.uk  

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!’

Get in touch: R.Baker11@salford.ac.uk

Ellie Jackson, Donor Engagement Officer

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!’

Get in touch: E.Jackson4@salford.ac.uk

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.

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 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 Guardian obituary.

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.

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

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 thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of John Galloway, co-founder of Speed of Sight, who recently received an Honorary Degree from the University of Salford in July 2024. This recognition is a testament to John’s relentless dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities, allowing them to experience the thrill of driving, through the charity he founded with Mike Newman in 2012. 

Speed of Sight, inspired by Mike’s journey as a blind racing driver, has become a beacon of hope and joy for countless individuals who, due to medical reasons, will never be able to drive legally on public roads. With seven specially designed vehicles, including four racing cars and three all-terrain buggies, Speed of Sight offers exhilarating driving experiences nationwide, making a real difference in the lives of those they support. 

“The University of Salford has been a great supporter helping with placements, volunteers, fundraising, and projects,” John said in his graduation speech, acknowledging the role the university has played in the charity’s success. This support, coupled with the dedication of numerous volunteers and corporate partners, has been instrumental in enabling Speed of Sight to continue its mission. 

On the 12th of August, Speed of Sight hosted a track day at the Three Sisters Circuit, one of the UK’s most versatile race circuits. The event, sponsored by Simple Life, part of the Sigma Capital Group, saw participants, volunteers, and supporters come together to create an atmosphere of excitement, and joy.  

A particular highlight was the incredible achievement of young fundraiser Hannah Bevan, who, with support from ESG Director Niamh Waldron, raised over £1,000 through a sponsored blindfold walk—far exceeding her initial target of £400. The day also featured fun activities organized by the fantastic charity Whizz Kidz, adding even more joy to the event 

As John Galloway reflected, these experiences are about more than just driving; they are about accessing outdoor activities, promoting social interaction, and inclusion. This sentiment was echoed throughout the day, as repeat participants and new faces alike shared in the joy and excitement that Speed of Sight provides. 

As we celebrate John’s well-deserved honorary degree, we also celebrate the impact of Speed of Sight—a charity that continues to change lives, one exciting drive at a time! 

The University of Salford and the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology are once again indebted to the Haworth Trust for providing the funding to host The Haworth Life Drawing Series and exhibition in this academic year. The Life Class is organised and administered by the BA (Hons) Fine Art programme.  It is now in its ninth year. Founded by Jeremy Haworth in 1990, the Haworth Trust gives financial support to deserving young people with exceptional talent who are determined to make a career in the arts, especially in painting and music.

The Haworth Trust enables the school to host a Life Class for 20 weeks per academic year on Wednesday afternoons and a further 10 specialists ‘Masterclasses’ which take place on alternate weeks on Wednesday mornings.

The Fine Art team have observed a resurgence of interest in traditional techniques of painting and drawing in the last five years. Artists and students alike are reverting to their own bodies as a way of exploring their place in the world. This year approximately 110 students from 10 programmes throughout the school took part in the life drawing sessions.

The Haworth Trust Life Drawing Prize offers students a great incentive to participate in the sessions and a wonderful opportunity to study work, first-hand, in a major European museum/gallery.

The winners and other selected works chosen by the Fine Art team and Greg Fenwick are currently on show in an exhibition at the New Adelphi building.

The exhibition in April was a celebration of the year’s work and awarding of prizes. Historically, the exhibition has been in the old Old Fire Station, but this year, it moved to the New Adelphi building and it was overwhelmingly popular and perpetuated a significant increase in attendance. Feedback from students and academics throughout the building has been resoundingly positive.

 ‘The classes have made a significant difference to the observation skills of the foundation students that attended.  Confidence in mark making gestural and dynamic lines has been much improved. Irrespective of degree the disciple the fundamental fluency of hand eye coordination has revealed itself as key.’ Matthew Morriss, Programme Leader Foundation

Prize Winners 2024

1st Prize Mia Cinus

Mia Cinus 2024

Oil pastel on paper

2^nd Prize Maria Scott

Untitled 2024

Acrylic on found cardboard

Maria Scott

3^rd Prize Okechukwu Ikeme

Untitled 2024

Acrylic on canvas board

Okechukwu Ikeme

Highly Commended

Rebecca Riley

Harry Mfum

Robert McLeod

Elizabeth Hearfield

Kristen Lai

Ruby 2024

Acrylic on canvas

Kristen Lai

‘We are delighted with the level of engagement and the quality of the work produced by our students, and we are looking forward to their ongoing development in the coming years.’

Dr Angela Tait, Academic Fellow, BA (Hons) Fine Art

We are delighted to share the success of Mia Willemsen, the recipient of the newly instated Mark Gardner Award for Journalism, funded by AJ Bell. Mia, a third-year BA Hons Broadcast Journalism student, was honoured with this award for her outstanding writing skills. The AJ Bell Journalism Award, established in memory of a valued colleague, aims to recognise and support aspiring journalists. Mia’s achievement not only highlights her talent but also reflects the dedication and hard work she has put into her studies.

Mia’s winning article, which you can read more about here, impressed the judges with its unique voice, insightful perspective, and engaging style. Her writing not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter but also showcased her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Daniel Coatsworth, Editor at AJ Bell, described her writing as, ‘honest and instantly full of personality.’  Daniel also went onto say, ‘The AJ Bell Mark Gardner Journalism Award was designed to recognise emerging talent at university level and to give the winner a step up by publishing their article in Shares magazine and by providing a financial contribution as they head towards graduation and put their studies and experience to work in a professional environment.

We were very impressed with Mia’s article. It was well-written, informative, and interesting. Mia has clearly thought about how money has shaped her life so far and how it will continue to do so. She referenced the importance of saving for the future while also engaging the reader with an honest and personal account on ADHD and the impact this can have on someone’s life. 

It was an honour to award Mia the AJ Bell Mark Gardner Journalism Award, and we wish her the best of luck with the rest of her university course and starting a career in journalism.’

The award ceremony was held on Friday 16 February at the Media City campus and was marked by speeches from university faculty and AJ Bell representatives. Paul Duckworth, one of Mias lecturer, who presented Mia with her award said, ‘This is great opportunity for Mia to not only get her work published in AJ Bell’s Shares magazine but also to be financially rewarded for her insightful and thoughtful words. Partnerships with our colleagues in industry are central to the work we do in Journalism through work placement and through fantastic schemes like this. Mia’s work will stand as a tribute to Mark Gardner and hopefully kick her start her career.’

This event not only celebrated Mia’s achievement but also highlighted the strong partnership between AJ Bell and the university. It underscored AJ Bell’s commitment to supporting education and fostering talent within the journalism field.

As Mia embarks on her journey as a budding journalist, we are confident that she will make significant contributions to the industry. We extend our congratulations to Mia Willemsen on this well-deserved prize, and express our gratitude to AJ Bell for their ongoing support and commitment to empowering the next generation of journalists.

As we continue to nurture and support our students, we look forward to witnessing more success stories like Mia’s in the future.

To find out more about the ways you can support our students at the University of Salford, visit Giving To Salford.