Why your support matters

Student at Graduation in front of Imperial sign

Over 295 people have given to scholarships and research at Imperial by leaving a gift in their will. Legacy gifts help us to advance at the forefront of research and education and plan for the future with confidence. The support of inspiring donors gives our wonderful staff and students the courage and confidence to achieve excellence.

Why do people leave a legacy gift to Imperial? Many speak of their wish to “give something back” in gratitude for their own experience at Imperial, and the professional opportunities their education opened up for them. For many, it’s an interest in the science that motivates them to give. Others want today’s young people to be able to afford their university years, without having to worry about money during their studies.

Sylvia Watson (Physics 1973)

“Making a legacy gift to Imperial is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I wanted to leave a worthwhile legacy that would survive long after I was gone...I can be confident that my gift will help Imperial students and, through them, benefit science and future generations.”

Read more about why Sylvia is leaving a gift in her will

Laia Rigat Nogareda (MSc Immunology)

Laia was awarded the legacy-funded Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarship in the academic year 2021-22.

"These gifts are a selfless way of placing trust, encouragement, and supporting the next generation of scientists."

Ghulam Haider (Engineering 1968)

"Making a legacy gift to Imperial is one of the most important decisions I made when writing my will.

I was able to finish my studies without any financial burden...I trust my legacy will give the younger generation a chance to achieve their goals like I did, and provide financial help to those deserving cases."

Read more about why Ghulam is leaving a gift in his will

Eleanor Sabey (MRes Biomedical Research, General Stream)

Eleanor was awarded the legacy-funded Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarship in the academic year 2021-22.

"When I received the support, I was elated, relieved, and felt more confident in my ability to pursue a career in STEM."

Ian Redmayne (Civil Engineering 1989, WEMBA 2009)

"Imperial College has played, and continues to play, such an important part of my life. I hope that my gift will enable less fortunate students to attend Imperial and enjoy the rich experiences that I did."

Read more about why Ian is leaving a gift in his will

Jessica Zhang (MRes Clinical Research)

Jessica was awarded the legacy-funded Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarship in the academic year 2021-22.

"I hope that the work I do will contribute to the progress of our understanding of the human body."

Richard Coley (Natural Sciences, Wye College, 1959)

"My own degree course was fully funded by my county and the state, and leaving a legacy is one way of showing my gratitude for this.

Present day students are the seed-corn of the future, so should be supported.

I hope my gift will help a student to attend the course of their choice with fewer financial worries."

Read more about why Richard is leaving a gift in his will

Khuluud Hussein (MRes Cancer Biology)

Khuluud was awarded the legacy-funded Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarship in the academic year 2019-20.

"There is a huge gap in postgraduate studies, with many students unable to pursue further studies for financial reasons. Legacy gifts like this go a long way in bridging these gaps and enable students, like me, to follow their career goals and focus solely on their work."

Vasilios Paschaleris (Electronic & Electrical Engineering 19

"My love for the College motivated me to leave a legacy gift – I have many nice memories of my time there. I hope that my gift will help students in some way."

Tanith Hackney (PhD, Life Sciences Research)

Tanith was awarded a scholarship generously funded by a legacy gift from alumna Angela Mawle and the Grantham Institute.
“I would say that I can’t put into words how much this means to me! Creating more opportunities like this for enthusiastic students who may not otherwise have access to a PhD or to the excellent training and support that Imperial College and the Grantham Institute provide is so important.”

Theo Wilson (Chemistry 1952)

“I want to play a part in furthering Imperial’s tradition of great scientific advances. I hope my gift will be of great benefit to students in the future.”

Damian Cummins (PhD Metallurgy, 1973)

“Education is a great gift, but you need the opportunity, and so many people don’t have the opportunity of a good education. The thing that was great in my life is that I got the opportunity and that’s why I have included a gift in my will to Imperial. I think gifting is honouring the next generation”.

Read more about why Damian is leaving a gift in his will

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