Donor News - Spring 2026

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY

DONOR NEWS 2026

MEDICAL THANK YOU EVENT

WELCOME

Welcome to Donor News.

This is our opportunity to share the significant impact you have helped to make across society.

From widening access to education to supporting world class research, we very much rely on philanthropy to make it happen. Every small donation and each major gift helps us create opportunities across Health through funding research into some of the world’s major challenges, opportunities to young people who may otherwise not have access to education, opportunities for us to provide a platform for debate and a place of sanctuary.

This is done with the support of you, our alumni, friends, companies and charitable foundations who have empowered Queen’s to be a world leading university. All of that support has helped Queen’s create a brighter future and shape better lives here and around the world.

To mark our 180 year anniversary, we have made an ambitious commitment to create an £8 million Endowment Fund by 2028, focused on widening participation. This is our commitment to securing the future of the Fund and ensuring that it continues to transform lives for students for generations to come.

Thank you

Professor Sir Ian Greer

President and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast

PATHWAY BURSARY FUND CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH

SECURING PATHWAYS INTO THE FUTURE

Queen’s has announced an ambitious investment to secure the longterm future of the Pathway Bursary Fund, which supports students who traditionally may not see higher education as an option.

The University has made a commitment to match funds raised through philanthropy up to £4m until 2028 to create an £8 million fund.

Speaking about the plan, launched to mark the 180th anniversary of the University, Queen’s Chancellor, Secretary Clinton said: “The Pathway Opportunity Programme and the Pathway Bursary Fund exist to ensure that students, most able but least likely to access higher education, are given the opportunity and the support to do so.

“These bursaries are not just financial support – they reflect our investment in the talent, ambition and the future of young people.”

President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “The University is incredibly proud of our commitment to ensuring that our talented young people are not missing out on educational opportunities because of financial barriers.

We have been inspired by the generosity of donors who have made this Fund a reality from its inception and those who have indicated their support in the future; and in order

Queen’s Chancellor Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer announcing the £8m fund with Queen’s graduates (from l-r): journalist and broadcaster Orla Chennaoui, lecturer and researcher Dr Victoria Dunne, businessperson Belinda Brown and recent graduate and Pathway Opportunity Programme student Ellie-Jo Taylor.

to ensure its continued success, we have agreed a bold vision to secure annual bursaries into the future through an endowed fund.

“This the first step in securing the future of the Pathway Bursary Fund and, together, we can ensure that it continues to transform lives and open doors for students for generations to come.”

To find out more about how you can get involved in supporting the Pathway Bursary Fund into the future, contact Helen Carrick at h.carrick@qub.ac.uk

iREACH HEALTH EXPANDS VISION FOR EYE RESEARCH AT QUEEN’S

A £1.2 million philanthropic grant from the Wolfson Foundation is set to support the development of a state-of-the-art ophthalmology suite within iREACH Health, accelerating eye research and the translation of new treatments into clinical trials.

The funding will enable the creation of a specialist ophthalmology suite within iREACH Health, a clinical research innovation centre delivered in partnership between Queen’s University and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and supported by the Belfast Region City Deal. The facility will facilitate advanced eye research focused on ageing, early disease pathology and the impact of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s on eyesight.

Director of the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science and CEO of iREACH Health, Professor Judy Bradley, said: “This investment from the Wolfson Foundation is a major boost for iREACH Health and for research infrastructure in Northern Ireland.”

Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom, said: “iREACH Health represents a

significant step forward for clinical research in Northern Ireland. We are pleased to support a dedicated ophthalmology suite that will strengthen eye research and help ensure advances reach patients more quickly. This builds on our long-standing support for clinical research in the region, including funding to establish the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility, which opened in 2013.”

Eddie Friel, Director Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s added:

“We are delighted to build on our long-established partnership with the Wolfson Foundation with this significant award, boosting the cutting edge research delivered at Queen’s.”

SCHOLARSHIPS

FUTURE LAWYERS

BOOSTED AT QUEEN’S

Three trainee barristers are having their fees covered at Queen’s Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) thanks to bespoke scholarships.

Emma Faulkner and Georgia Liddle are the first ever recipients of the Bar of NI Scholarships which support students from under-represented backgrounds to complete the Barrister programme, with Rosie Neeson being awarded the annual Lord Kerr Scholarship.

Rosie began her career in virology research at Queen’s and, following a break due to caring responsibilities, she decided to pursue a different career path and undertook a part-time law degree.

She said: “As a mature student and with caring responsibilities, this support is genuinely transformative. It represents an important investment in widening access to the Bar of Northern Ireland and enables me to pursue my ambition to contribute meaningfully to the profession. It means a great deal to me to know that the scholarship represents an endorsement of a nontraditional candidate for Bar training. I hope it inspires others in a similar position to know that support exists to help dismantle barriers to professional development.”

Talking about the Bar of NI Scholarships, Chair of the Bar Council,

Donal Lunny KC said: “We, as a Bar, are determined to build upon these foundations as we go forward, so as to ensure that our profession remains representative of the community that it serves.”

SUPPORTING SPORTING EXCELLENCE

McQuillan Companies has been announced as the principal sponsor of rugby at Queen’s, supporting the men’s, women’s and under-20 teams over the next three years. The partnership provides vital resources that enhance coaching, facilities and opportunities, helping student athletes excel both on the pitch and in their personal development.

Rugby at Queen’s has a proud heritage, producing ninety-one fully capped Irish internationals and twenty-two British and Irish Lions. Through the sponsorship, students gain the support they need to build leadership, resilience, and community engagement, while pursuing sporting and academic excellence.

Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Eddie Friel said: “This investment will allow our women’s and men’s teams to continue to succeed and produce skilled professionals we can be proud of.”

PAYING IT FORWARD

When Kathleen Dick died in 2024, her son, Queen’s alumnus, Brian Dick and his siblings wanted to do something significant to honour her memory. They set up a scholarship to inspire other students who, like Kathleen, have the determination and enthusiasm to pursue their academic ambitions but need financial support.

“She was a big personality,” recalls Brian, President and CEO of global manufacturing firm, Golden State Foods. “She raised six children, worked full time and was genuinely beloved in her community. You couldn’t walk through Whiteabbey without it taking an hour and a half - she’d taught everyone. This scholarship is our way of honouring her and passing on the support she once received.

“She had a wonderful life, and we had a great start in life because somebody was generous to her.”

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

The KPMG Scholarship Programme is now in its seventh year, providing students with a bursary, two paid summer internships and a KPMG mentor to support them throughout their degree.

The Programme, in association with Queen’s, is designed to encourage and support more students to go to third level education by providing support throughout the lifetime of their degree course.

PROVIDING LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PALESTINIAN STUDENTS

The Copty Scholarship continues to enable Palestinian students to pursue their education at Queen’s with seven students benefitting to date.

All seven Copty Scholars came together for the first time at the Queen’s Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, which will provide a support hub for the scholars during their time at Queen’s.

The Copty Scholarship was created by Georgina Copty and her husband Chris McDowell. With additional financial investment from Queen’s, it’s designed to help students access higher education opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

Welcoming scholars Bilal Zedan, Daniella Dukmak, Yousef Albaba, Ala Ahmad, Ibrahim Mahdi, Alaa Murtaja and Mohammed Sammour, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, Sir Ian Greer, said: “Scholarships play a vital role in helping Queen’s extend access to higher education, ensuring that opportunities are available to those who face significant barriers. They represent an investment not only in individuals, but in the communities they belong to.

“Our support of this scholarship programme reflects our determination to empower people in conflict zones to secure better lives for themselves, their families and communities.”

OPTIMISING HEALTHCARE

Biomedical Science student Aisling Nic Pháidín from Gaoth Dobhair, is just one of the Donegal students who has benefitted from a bespoke scholarship set up by Optum Ireland.

The Optum Healthcare Regional Scholarship Program provides funding over the course of an undergraduate degree, creating opportunities for talented students from less advantaged or non-traditional backgrounds in Donegal to pursue careers in healthcare and innovative health technologies.

Scholarships like this do more than support individual students - they help build a stronger, more diverse health workforce for the future. Recipients are able to focus on their studies, engage fully with university life and develop skills that will benefit their communities long after graduation.

Aisling says the scholarship has had a huge impact: “It has affected my studies positively as I no longer have to worry about working long hours and due to this, I have more time to study and focus on my academic work.”

KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE THROUGH

SCHOLARSHIPS

Former UK Young Engineer of the Year 2015 and Queen’s Mechanical Engineering student, Colm McNally, was inspirational. Despite being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he completed his A-levels and began studying at Queen’s. He tragically died in his first year.

Established by the DLD Fund in his honour, the Colm McNally Scholarships have supported 23 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering students since 2017.

This year’s recipients Joel Osborne and Ciara O’Kane were recently joined by previous McNally Scholars as they caught up with the McNally and O’Neill families to mark the impact of the scholarships and the memory of Colm.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF EDUCATION

When Queen’s alumna and First Class Honours maths student, Kathleen Shott, left Queen’s in 1960s, her favourite subject stayed close to her heart. Kathleen went on teach maths in post primary and in third level education and believed very strongly in the transformative power of education.

The Shott Scholarship, created in her memory, will support two young people from a Widening Participation background who are studying at the School of Mathematics and Physics.

DONOR THANK YOU EVENT

We welcomed lots of familiar and some new faces to our annual Donor Thank You event which is always a lovely way for Queen’s to say a proper thank you for your support.

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LEGACY GIFTS LASTING LEGACIES

The legacy of pioneering MS researcher Dame Ingrid Allen has kick-started large-scale MS research at Queen’s.

A financial gift in Dame Ingrid’s Will has seeded a brand new MS Research Hub with her leadership, research and knowledge continuing to inspire a new generation of researchers at Queen’s. The Northern Ireland MS Research Hub brings together a collaborative team of MS research experts, including neurologists, immunologists, ophthalmologists and neuroscientists to deliver a largescale programme of research.

According to Professor Denise Fitzgerald, Principal Investigator and researcher from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s: “Without the gift Dame Ingrid left to Queen’s in her Will, we could not have built up this hub which has now secured funding from the MS Society UK and the Public Health Agency. Her legacy gift has seeded all this activity, which will allow us to scale up to become a centre of excellence for MS research.”

Find out more about legacy giving at go.qub.ac.uk/legacy-gifts

INVESTING IN MEDICAL EDUCATORS

One of nine women in a class of 60, Dr Claire Slattery graduated in Medicine from Queen’s in 1962. She went on to become a consultant in the highly competitive field of Paediatrics and was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

A proud alumna and passionate medic, Claire left a generous gift in her Will to Queen’s to support undergraduate medical students with their tuition fees, specifically those who do an extra year of study to explore an area of medicine in greater depth and gain an additional degree.

Through her gift, Claire is helping to prevent a future shortage of medical educators.

Dr Slattery’s niece, also named Claire, believes that her aunt would be delighted with how her gift is being used: “Although she came from humble beginnings, my aunt had the opportunity to pursue her dream, and with a lot of hard work was able to reach the highest level of her career. I think she would have wanted others to have the same opportunities, without any financial burden.”

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

When a kind benefactor got Rev Kit Jarman out of a financial hole, it changed the course of this life. Decades later, Rev Kit continues to pay that generosity forward by contributing to the Pathway Bursary Fund.

“I arrived at Queen’s in September 1959, one of the last National Servicemen. National Service was abolished during my two years in the Royal Navy, half of which was spent abroad.

In 1962, I failed my finals (with distinction!) because I gave an overwhelmingly disproportionate amount of my time to socialising. I was immediately cut off from any further funding by my parents and by the education authorities.

I was therefore stuck and utterly alone.”

When a member of staff at Queen’s stepped in quietly to offer financial assistance to repeat the year, it changed the course of his life.

“In effect I became Queen’s first Pathway Programme student a good many years before the scheme was set up. Hence my desire to contribute to that Programme.

“My debt of honour is repaid - with interest and gratitude. I am now in the wonderful position of being able to pass on the same kindness which I myself received over sixty years ago.”

1: Dame Ingrid Allen

2: Dr Claire Slattery

MAJOR BOOST FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

A generous £350,000 philanthropic gift from the McKay Foundation is set to help advance Queen’s ambitious plans for a Global Institute for Educational Excellence.

The Institute is a pioneering initiative designed to make education fully inclusive and accessible, breaking down barriers in current practice and recognising diverse ways of thinking, learning and communicating.

The gift will support the critical first phase of the Institute, which will include the appointment of a leading expert to drive the vision forward and ensure a full team is in place to redesign curricula and assessment in line with principles of Universal Design for Learning.

Funding will also enable a PhD studentship to develop practical toolkits and resources that embed inclusive design across teaching and student services.

Welcoming the investment, Professor Judy Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, said:

“The Global Institute for Educational Excellence has the potential to create lasting impact, not just at Queen’s, but across global education systems.

“This generous philanthropic commitment will enable Queen’s to drive cultural change across the University, ensuring inclusion and accessibility are embedded into education from the outset, while equipping our graduates with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.”

JAMMING AT QUEEN’S

The Junior Academy of Music (JAM) continues to provide brilliant support for children and teenagers who love making music.

The education programme, supported this year by the Radcliffe Trust, Hays Travel Foundation, Esme Mitchell Trust and a private donor, offers specialised tuition in performance, musicianship and creative music technology and continues to be a massive hit.

Ruth, whose daughter Molly takes part, says: “Molly absolutely adores JAM. The teaching staff’s soft, nurturing nature has been such a comfort to her, and it’s clear that they care deeply about her growth as a person and a musician. We are both so excited for the upcoming year and the possibility of Molly beginning her journey with a musical instrument -something that, as a parent, has always felt like a distant dream.

“As a mother recovering from cancer and managing life as a single parent, this financial help has been a lifeline for both me and Molly. The impact of this support goes beyond the classes themselves - it’s provided us with opportunities we otherwise wouldn’t have had.”

1: Announcing the gift from the McKay Family Foundation are (from l-r): Queen’s SU President Amy Smith, Assistant Director of Philanthropy, Helen Carrick, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Queen’s University Belfast Senate, Dr Len O’Hagan, Martin McKay, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, Professor Judy Williams and Student Officer Accessible Education, Morrigan McEvoy.

2: JAM students getting in a little practice.

3: Nursing students Katie Clarke, Rochelle McTeague and Sarah Wellington.

GOING GLOBAL

Thanks to funding from our generous donors, Queen’s nursing students travelled to Atlanta for a three-week international placement as part of the 2025 CCUC International Nursing Programme.

In partnership with The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, which supports the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Katie Clarke, Rochelle McTeague and Sarah Wellington got hands on experience at leading healthcare and academic institutions including the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Emory University.

This valuable insight into paediatric oncology nursing in a global context will help enchance their input into healthcare systems at home.

CHAMPIONING CARE

EXPERIENCED STUDENTS

Queen’s is the first higher education body in Northern Ireland to receive a National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Quality Mark for their support of students who have experience of care. This year, the University has administered 54 CareExperienced Bursaries and has close to 100 students who have indicated that they have experience of care.

Care experienced student, Lauren Stewart, said:

“I always dreamed of going to university from a young age but didn’t always feel it was possible. My background and care experience left me lacking in confidence, and after dropping out of my A Levels, I thought the ship had sailed. I completed an Access Course which led me to my degree at Queen’s. The Widening Participation Unit at Queen’s have been a real help and comfort during my time at University.”

PILOT FUND OPENS DOORS AT QUEEN’S

A pilot programme is helping open doors to young people from North Belfast to access a medically related degree at Queen’s. Supported by a gift from the Mater Hospital Young Philanthropists’ (YP) Fund, this programme has enabled an additional 21 young people who face barriers to education, to access the Queen’s Medicine, Dentistry and Biological Sciences Pathway Opportunity Programme.

Just kicking off its second year, participants supported by this programme also receive tuition and work experience, alongside an annual bursary throughout their degree if they attend Queen’s.

Chair of the Young Philanthropists’ Fund, Father Paul Fleming said:

“We are delighted to work with the Queen’s Widening Participation team to provide additional support and encouragement to young people from the communities surrounding the Mater Hospital to pursue a medically related career at Queen’s.”

1: Celebrating the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Quality Mark

2: Sport at Queen’s

3: Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthroy Eddie Friel, Sir Van Morrison Scholars David Cassidy and Cara Linden, and Professor Sir Ian Greer, Vice-Chancellor.

A SPORTING CHANCE

The Elite Athlete Programme and Sports Bursary support at Queen’s continues to empower students to thrive in their studies and their sport.

Donor support delivers specialist coaching, performance services and access to facilities - helping them compete and represent Queen’s at provincial, national and international level.

This year, the Jack Kyle Foundation has strengthened our Rugby Academy, with increased representation in Ulster pathways and Ireland age-grade squads; the Sean O’Neill Foundation supported our GAA team to reach the Sigerson Cup semi-finals.

Through the Lady Victoria Boat Club, Queen’s rowers achieved national and international success, and our Hockey and Soccer Academies continue to grow.

All done with support from our donors. Find out more from Kevin Murray at k.murray@qub.ac.uk

TALENTED DUO TAKE UP VAN MORRISON SCHOLARSHIPS

A former factory worker who left school at 16 with one GCSE, and an aspiring West End star have been announced as the first Sir Van Morrison Scholarship recipients at Queen’s.

50-year-old David Cassidy and 18-yearold Cara Linden have both begun their music degrees with the support of the scholarship, established by legendary musician and Queen’s University Artist in Residence, Sir Van Morrison. The fully funded scholarships cover their tuition fees and living expenses throughout the three-year degree.

Congratulating the students, Eddie Friel, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, said: “The Sir Van Morrison Scholarships are a perfect example of how philanthropy can open doors and help our students reach their potential. Queen’s is committed to continuing to create ways to support those who have the skill and talent but may not have the resources to access higher education.”

QUEEN’S ANNUAL FUND SPARKS INSPIRING FRIENDSHIP

When Queen’s graduate Margaret Boyce received a call from student fundraiser Dylan Carlin, she expected a routine conversation. Instead, what began as a simple update on university life during the annual telephone fundraiser turned into a meaningful exchange about access, opportunity and the lasting impact of giving back.

After speaking with Dylan, Margaret chose to increase her monthly donation to the Annual Fund, helping extend vital support to more students across the University.

Margaret’s decision was shaped by her own experience as a student, when she had to borrow money in her final year just to complete her degree. That memory has stayed with her and continues to motivate her support for today’s students, knowing first-hand how transformative even modest assistance can be.

The Telethon Campaign kicks off twice a year, engaging students with alumni and raising funds and awareness. Find out more about the Annual Fund at go.qub.ac.uk/StudentsAnnualFund or contact Stephen.OReilly@qub.ac.uk

MAJOR MILESTONE IN FUNDING FOR THE BRIAN CONLON FOUNDATION

Pioneering research into the early detection of oesophageal cancer and scholarships for GAA rising stars have been the key areas to benefit from over £1m of philanthropic funding in memory of Queen’s graduate and honorary graduate, Dr Brian Conlon.

The Brian Conlon Foundation has been funding these opportunities at Queen’s since 2022, reflecting the scale of the Foundation’s commitment and the enduring legacy of Brian’s vision to create opportunities and improve lives

“This funding has been instrumental in my work researching asymptomatic oesophageal cancer and Barrett’s oesophagus,” said Dr Erin McGrattan, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Cancer Epidemiology. “Thanks to the Foundation’s belief in this project I have been able to build collaborations across the UK and Ireland and access high-quality data that will help improve patient outcomes.”

Professor Richard Turkington, Centre for Public Health, added:

“The legacy of this support will ensure the progression of this research and provide positive outcomes for patients in Northern Ireland and beyond. We are most grateful for the support.”

The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation Board drives forward the philanthropic goals of the University. Their work is aligned to Queen’s strategic vision to be a world-class institution that connects Northern Ireland to the global community and delivers highimpact education and research.

But our Board are more than that – they are Ambassadors for Queen’s, for our students, for our research. They bring essential skills to the role from their experiences across business, law, charities and finance. They help drive philanthropy at Queen’s, supported by our talented team in Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, and they deliver for our staff, students and the wider Queen’s community. So thank you to our MembersDr Garrett Curran (Chair), Patrick Anderson, Tessa Breslin (Vice Chair), Belinda Brown, Georgina Copty, Professor Sir Ian Greer, Dr Gareth Keane, Dr Stephen Kingon, Sir Bruce Robinson and Dr Declan Tiernan.

When someone makes a donation or a gift to Queen’s, they are not doing it lightly.

Each donation, no matter the size, is a step toward creating a brighter future for the University and for Northern Ireland. We recognise you, our generous supporters, whose gifts have empowered Queen’s to be a world leading university, forging vital connections between Northern Ireland and the world.

Thank you for your investment in Queen’s and your investment in the future of our students.

Dr Ryan Feeney Vice President (Governance and External Affairs) and Registrar

What will your legacy be?

A gift in your Will to Queen’s can become many things.

For parents Richard and Julie Buchanan, it can be a way to honour the memory of their daughter Catherine by supporting the study of Physics. A legacy to Queen’s is more than what you leave behind. It’s also what you hand on. What will your legacy be?

Start the conversation today. Contact Louise Carey at l.carey@qub.ac.uk or visit go.qub.ac.uk/legacy-gift