This year LSE coordinated two separate Donors and Scholars Receptions for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. The evenings celebrated the role of philanthropy at LSE, bringing together students with the donors whose generosity has made their LSE education possible.
The reception for undergraduate scholarships was held on 11 March. Chris Yates, Director of LSE Advancement, began proceedings by speaking about the four key fundraising priorities for the School, including Realising Potential – supporting the best and brightest students throughout the world no matter their background.
Guests then heard from scholarship recipients Matthew So and Kim To, scholarship donor Hon Peter Benson, and LSE Director Professor Craig Calhoun.
Matthew, the Fab Galo scholar, explained that the biggest impact the scholarship has had on his life was teaching him “how to think”. He added: “the faith that Fab Gallo has invested in me has given me my own strength here at LSE. My scholarship allows me to develop my thinking in my own unique way that is specific to me”.
Kim To, a PwC Lord Benson scholar, stated that: “moving out of home was one of the best things I have ever done - I became more independent while being surrounded by likeminded people”. She revealed that “psychologically, receiving the scholarship signalled to me that the Honourable Peter Benson, who established the scholarship and interviewed me before offering me the scholarship, valued my time, intellect and character”.
Her donor was next to speak. The Hon Peter Benson, along with PwC, has supported the PwC Lord Benson Award for over 15 years. Peter talked of the wonderful relationship that they have maintained with all of their scholars over the years, and the fantastic mentoring service that they offer all of their scholars. He also spoke of why he chose LSE. “We viewed it, as a firm, as best in class, best of breed, perhaps even best of show, and we have never doubted our choice,” he said.
Videos for the 2014 Donors and Scholars Reception can be found here|.