Scholarship-winning students link up with benefactors at lunch event

Perth College UHI students met with benefactors at a scholarship lunch held on Wednesday 23 November in the College’s Gallery training restaurant. Over 40 guests, students and lecturers enjoyed a three-course lunch cooked and served by Hospitality students.

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Reneesme Smith, student; Kenneth Simpson, Dr Margaret Cook, Principal; Kathryn McLellan; Gareth McKenna, Head of Business Development; Fiona Anderson; Peter Homola, student; Aaran Watt, student.

The event was organised by the Perth College Development Trust to celebrate student’ excellence in learning and thank generous donors for their support.

Dr Margaret Cook, Principal and Chief Executive, said: “The Scholarship scheme aims to develop the next generation of talented individuals to hopefully enhance the Scottish economy, especially significant in the current economic climate. The programme is designed to support students to help them reach their full potential and we know our students greatly welcome the support kindly offered. By providing a scholarship, which can be in a range of ways - including financial awards, professional mentoring and work placements - local employers can boost their business with the workforce of the future.”

Joshua Norris graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in Business and Management and gained a scholarship with Thorntons Law. He applied for two other scholarships across his time studying and learned a lot from the feedback and mentoring given by initiating correspondence. He said: “I got a lot of support and getting the chance to meet people was great. The scholarship experience helped me feel more comfortable in interview processes and opened the door to other opportunities.

“It was very easy to apply, and for anyone thinking about applying for a scholarship, my advice would be to just go for it! You need to believe you are as good as everyone else applying and understand that even if you aren’t given the scholarship, you will still take away so much from it.”

Fiona Leslie, Development and Alumni Relations Manager, added: “Scholarships are not means tested but are awarded on individual merit to recognise talented and dedicated students. For businesses, this gives the possibility to recruit graduates to meet particular needs, at the same time enhancing the company’s perception through support of students and the wider community. It’s also a great way of investing in Scotland’s economic future.

“We are very appreciative to the benefactors who support our scholarship programme and therefore our students.”

The scholarship scheme managed by the Perth College UHI Development Trust provides thousands of pounds of support to students across the curriculum.

Anyone interested in helping a student or who would like to hear more about the programme, please contact fiona.leslie@perth.uhi.ac.uk / 01738 877215.