Pictured above: Tim Hadland (back row, left), Chair of
Trustees and other representatives of The Sir Thomas White Charity
joined Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Petford (back row, centre)
at The University of Northampton to present a £100,000
scholarship award
The Sir Thomas White Charity, an historic Northampton-based
organisation which supports young people in their education and
training aspirations, has presented The University of Northampton
with £100,000 towards a new student scholarship
programme.
With Government-Matched funding (which pays an additional 50p
for every £1 of donation to the University made before 31
July 2011), the final contribution amounts to £150,000.
Speaking at an informal presentation ceremony with Professor
Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of The University of Northampton and
colleagues, Tim Hadland, Chair of Trustees for the Charity,
commented:
"Our aim has always been to support young people to obtain the
best future opportunities available to them. The Sir Thomas White
Scholarship at The University of Northampton will be open to full
time-undergraduate students who have lived in the Borough of
Northamptonshire for at least five years. The scholarships will
provide up to £1,500 in support of their studies.
"We are very pleased to be working with the University, which is
also dedicated to supporting young people amongst its student body.
This will be the beginning of a long-term relationship between our
organisations."
The origins of the Foundation go back to Sir Thomas White
himself, who was born in Reading in 1492. The son of a clothier, he
worked extensively in the clothing industry, and gave benevolently
to education throughout his life.
Following his death on 12 February 1567 Sir Thomas' estate
bequeathed a small fortune to buy land. Profits from renting this
went towards helping young men in trade across Northampton,
Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham and Warwick.
Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Petford added: "The University of
Northampton would like to offer a massive thank you to The Sir
Thomas White Charity. Their gift will contribute hugely towards
supporting the future of our students."