Santander Universities honoured for supporting University of York students
Posted on 19 January 2021
The College of Benefactors is the highest honour that the University bestows upon its supporters and partners in recognition of their philanthropic support. Santander Universities are a long-term supporter of the university, and since 2012 their support has enabled hundreds of students to access extra-curricular opportunities to develop their skills and experience, and to help them achieve their ambitions.
The activity they have supported includes:
- 168 international travel awards to enable students to study or volunteer abroad
- 28 Elite Sport Scholarships to support students to achieve their sporting ambitions
- 180 internships with small businesses and charities
- 150 students have received funding and support to develop their business idea
At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 Santander awarded extra funds to all university partners to support students through the crisis: at York, this funded 60 Emergency Student Support Fund awards for students facing financial hardship, and paid virtual internships to replace the summer work experience opportunities many students rely on.
One of these emergency awards enabled Tara Boyd, a Psychology student, to complete a digital marketing internship with specialist camping equipment supplier, Glawning.
Tara said “They gave me a high degree of autonomy and the time to refine the marketing and video production skills I brought to the placement. My internship was doubled in length during the summer thanks to Santander’s support and I am now working for Glawning on a freelance basis”.
Sarah Martin, one of the founders of Glawning said: “This generous opportunity provided by Santander has given us the impetus and assistance we needed to get our marketing plans off the ground and continuing to flourish. Naturally, we have kept Tara on as a marketing assistant as she is vital to the business now!”
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor, said;
“Santander Universities is a long-standing supporter of the university and in this time they have become a trusted friend. They have supported a wide range of opportunities for our students and graduates, from international travel that broadens students’ horizons, to startup funding and expert advice for student entrepreneurs. The common thread linking these varied opportunities is that they are truly life-changing for our students.
On behalf of the whole University of York community, I would like to say a huge thank you to Santander Universities for their ongoing generosity and commitment to supporting higher education. Students today are facing new and constantly changing challenges, and the opportunities Santander makes possible are essential to enable our students to face these challenges and reach their full potential.”
Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK said; “We are delighted to be joining the College of Benefactors. Santander is committed to supporting higher education as well as local communities across the UK, and we’re proud of our partnership with the University of York, which enables us to work together in providing numerous opportunities to benefit both students and the local community, particularly during this challenging time.
It is fantastic to hear how the funding has supported students at York – it genuinely changes people’s lives, and we are proud to support in that regard.”