RGU raises £13k on #GivingTuesday to widen access to higher education

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is celebrating the success of its #GivingTuesday appeal after raising £13,000 to support talented students from under-represented backgrounds.

The university’s appeal received support from across the globe, with donations made by individuals and organisations from countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, Dubai, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Oman, making a lasting impact on the lives of exceptional students.

RGU’s Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said: “It is inspiring to be able to celebrate a hugely successful appeal this year. We are seeing a shared appreciation of the importance of delivering high quality education, and support of our vision to inspire individuals to realise their full potential.

“RGU has been shaped by the generosity of our alumni and friends, and in giving back, our supporters continue a tradition that serves to add value to the university, to create opportunities and raise the aspirations of future generations of talented students.”

It is the second year that the university joined the global day of giving, which is led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). It harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organisations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide.

Through the RGU Foundation, the university’s philanthropic fundraising arm, RGU used the day to raise funds for access scholarships and bursaries to help talented individuals from under-represented backgrounds, particularly those from deprived areas, achieve their ambitions through higher education.

This year’s appeal sparked a 42% increase in donor support and attracted donations from across the RGU community including its alumni, staff, governors, honorary graduates and friends of the university.

RGU graduate, Bisi Ogundele, who graduated in 2010 with an MSc in Project Management, was inspired to support the appeal this year.

Bisi said: “It is an honour to support RGU. I am proud to be an RGU alumnus and I am very willing to support other students in achieving their dream of a better education.”

The money raised from this year will create a number of access scholarships and bursaries, supporting RGU’s commitment to widening access to higher education and promoting inclusion, equality and diversity on campus.

Marie Airth, a second year Architecture student was awarded one of the scholarships from last year’s #GivingTuesday fundraising efforts.

Marie said: “As well as the financial support, the scholarship has provided mentoring, summer internships and a variety of workshops that have served to build self-confidence, my presentation skills and other qualities that will remain valuable to me throughout my life.”

Find out more about what the scholarship support has meant to Marie, here.