Pictured: Representatives of Santander Universities with
staff and students at The University of Northampton
The University of Northampton has strengthened its partnership
with global bank, Santander, through its Santander Universities
Global Division, after renewing an existing agreement signed in
2008.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday 22 November by Luis Juste,
Director Santander Universities UK and Northampton's
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nick Petford, at an on-campus ceremony
attended by members of the University and the bank.
In addition to funding provided by the Bank for scholarships and
mobility awards for students and staff, the University has given
special importance to entrepreneurs in this agreement with five
awards per year for Excellence in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship,
as well as support for a Business incubator space to provide a
placement for the most promising entrepreneurial team or student.
Other activities include round tables that will facilitate
interaction between the most promising entrepreneurs and experts
from the business community.
Finally, Santander will also be supporting Northampton's Formula
Student Racing Car and its associated engineering projects.
Prof. Nick Petford said: "Our relationship with Santander
Universities has already paid huge dividends, not least in the
bank's support for scholarships and mobility awards which have
proved hugely beneficial. Earlier this year one of our leading
researchers in Bio Diversity, Dr Jeff Ollerton, teamed up with
academics in Mexico in a project part-funded by Santander
Universities. Their high profile work into the effect of natural
selection on the flowering times of plants uncovered important
findings about the potential impact of global warming on
plants"
Luis Juste said: "At Santander we have a long-term commitment to
universities and their communities, rooted in our belief that
investing in education is the most powerful means of contributing
to the future of the countries in which our Group is established. I
am sure the renewal of this agreement we are signing today will
have a very positive effect in the lives of many students at the
University of Northampton"
Santander, through its Santander Universities Global Division,
began its alliance with universities in 1996; since then the bank
has signed 975 agreements with academic institutions from America,
Asia and Europe. Santander Universities began its activity in the
UK in 2007 and today the bank collaborates with 52 British
universities.
On the same day Santander opened a new university branch on
campus. Branch Manager, Kirsten Allen cut the ribbon with the
Vice-Chancellor and other members of the university community. The
branch will provide tailor-made products and services for students
and staff.