Record number of scholarships to celebrate University of East Anglia’s 50th anniversary

University of East Anglia students(l to r) Eleanor Bishop, Kelly York, Joni Wright, Jenny Whitaker and Matthew Gallagher meet their scholarship donor representative, 2nd Air Division Memorial Library chair of governors Richard Middleton, after receiving the awards at the formal presentation.Photo by Simon Finlay. (Image: Archant Norfolk.)

More than 70 awards, funded by alumni, charitable trusts and organisations, were presented at a reception on Friday night.

The John Jarrold scholarships have been established to allow local students to study in the School of Environmental Sciences.

Caroline Jarrold, of the John Jarrold Trust, said: 'We have been associated with the university since it was started, so we have always had a strong relationship. When it came to the 50th anniversary we though it would be nice to mark that with awarding scholarships.'

Lucy McKinlay, from Old Costessey, and Daniel Meek, from Gorleston, are both receiving £1,000 a year.

Ms McKinlay, a former Hewett School pupil, said: 'It's great. It funds me, basically. It makes everything a bit easier. I can think, if there's a book I need for a course, I can just buy it.'

Mr Meek, who studied at Cliff Park High, said the scholarship allowed him to focus on his academic studies.

The 2nd Air Division Memorial Library in Norwich, which, like the UEA, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, funded five £2,000 scholarships to support students when they study in America.

Matt Gallagher, from St Albans, will spend a year in California as part of his American politics and history course. He said: 'It gives me the opportunity to really enjoy America and see the sights and the bits you don't normally get to see.'

Other donors include Santander, Panasonic, and alumni Charlie Dimont, Mark V Williams Dominic Christian.

Have you benefited? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk