The generosity of donors who support scholarships and bursaries for students at the University of Aberdeen will be marked tonight at an annual reception.
Over a hundred guests will gather at King's College Conference Centre for the fifth annual Sixth Century Scholars' Reception. They will hear how the continuing growth of the University's scholarship programme is helping to attract and retain promising students, and ensure that financial hardship does not deter talented individuals from fulfilling their educational potential.
The annual reception gives donors who have contributed scholarships - and those who are considering making this valuable gift - the opportunity to meet students who are benefiting from them, and senior University staff who are seeing at first hand the advantages of the programme.
"I'm delighted that we will be seeing so many donors, scholars and staff at this year's reception," said Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Aberdeen.
"Giving them all a chance to meet each other is the primary purpose of this evening, but from a University perspective it gives us a chance to say thank you for the generosity of our growing number of donors, and to express our pride in the scholars – and the work of our staff."
At tonight's event Dr David Mithen, General Manager, Mid North Sea, Talisman Energy (UK) Limited, will explain why the Canadian independent chose to invest in a package of scholarships at the University.
He said, "Talisman is committed to investing in our local community and in education in particular. Through the Talisman Scholarship Programme we will provide promising students with the opportunity to gain an advanced education without many of the financial worries often faced at university. Moreover this relationship helps students to build practical skills, through work placements at Talisman, and we hope will encourage them to develop a long term career in the energy industry."
Raemond Jappy, who graduated last year in accountancy and music studies, will also give his personal view of the benefits of his scholarship.
"I was fortunate to receive the Johnston Carmichael Bursary and have now joined the staff of this leading Scottish firm of accountants. My scholarship brought many benefits, including the opportunity of a placement which helped me experience at first hand what life is like for a practising accountant."
The reception will run from 6pm to 7.30pm at King's College Conference Centre.