Staff, students, alumni and friends came together on the 10 December for the University’s Benefactors’ Reception 2013 at the beautifully festive banqueting hall at Chelsea College of Arts.
Organised by the Development and Alumni Relations team, the Benefactor’s Reception is an annual celebration to thank all those who have supported our students and Colleges throughout the year. We were delighted to welcome 200 guests to the champagne reception which was kindly sponsored by Perrier Jouet. All of the guests have played a vital role in helping us to ensure a creative education is still accessible to all.
In his opening speech, UAL Vice-Chancellor, Nigel Carrington, as well as thanking the audience for their, “enormous contribution and friendship”, took the opportunity to highlight the devastating effect the withdrawal of almost all government funding for postgraduate study has had. With postgraduate tuition fees having almost doubled, and no government loan scheme available for postgraduate students, UAL has seen a 20% drop in UK students applying to study a postgraduate course this year. Postgraduate study has been rendered all but inaccessible to anyone, however talented, without considerable savings or family support. However, scholarships can offer a life-changing opportunity to talented young people who may not otherwise be able to study at one of our world-renowned Colleges.
“It is very much our responsibility to support the UK’s creative future and ensure tomorrow’s youngsters can still benefit from the same life changing educational opportunities that we all took for granted” – Nigel Carrington, UAL Vice- Chancellor
Renowned author, designer, donor and Chelsea alumna, Shirley Conran, also took to the stage to talk about her passion for supporting amazing students. Telling anyone who questions the value of a creative education that, “The world is in technicolour thanks to my design education,” and that studying a degree not only increases career potential, but also enriches your life. Shirley also drew attention to the enormous potential for legacy gifts, encouraging donors to, “be an angel before you become an angel”.
Speeches were rounded off with supporter Scott Mead saying “by supporting extraordinary students, my hopes and ideas were that these students won’t have to take as long as I did to discover their own dreams, direction and destiny”
The evening saw the launch of UAL’s new inspiring fundraising film featuring stories from some of our scholarship recipients. Watch Film.
Without philanthropic support our students would be facing a profoundly challenging climate on their own, and with a greatly reduced chance of success.
To learn more about supporting UAL, please visit our support and donate page.
View all photos from the evening
