£1 million gift from Dr Allen Samuels to enhance opportunities for disadvantaged students
Posted on 2 October 2024
Dr. Allen Michael Samuels was a respected writer, lecturer, and academic who dedicated over 25 years to higher education. He began his academic journey at the University of York, where he earned an undergraduate degree in English with Education Studies in 1970, before going on to obtain a PhD at the University of Cambridge.
Sadly, in December 2022, Dr Samuels passed away at the age of 79, leaving a generous gift of over £1 Million to the University of York. This extraordinary donation is set to remove barriers to success and progression for students, from undergraduate studies to early career research.
His Life was like a Jazz Bar
Allen was born in Leeds in 1943 to a Jewish family but after spending much of his childhood in Glasgow always regarded himself as a Scotsman. The chequered fortunes of his family triggered a concern with social justice which never left him. He was a man of many interests and interesting points of view, known for his passion for teaching and his love of engaging with others. As one of Dr. Samuel’s colleagues reflected,
"Allen's popularity as a teacher was undisputed. The loyalty he inspired among his students was evident until the very end of his life. I hope that deep down he knew the regard, admiration, and affection that marked his educational career."
Even in retirement and as his health declined, Allen remained deeply committed to ideas, planning a series of seminars on James Joyce and Ulysses that his rapidly progressing illness prevented him from completing. His intellectual curiosity was matched only by his warmth and social grace. Known for his ability to connect with anyone, Allen could sit in a chair, stiff-backed from longstanding spinal arthritis and unable to turn his head, and effortlessly command any room, drawing on his charm, wit, humour, and wide-ranging knowledge while people gathered around him. Impish and entertaining in conversation but utterly serious in professional settings.
A close family friend beautifully captured the essence of Allen, saying,
"It is hard to put Allen into words: intelligent, inquisitive, political, challenging, a campaigner, tenacious, caring, generous, fun, funny, impish, joyful—or maybe just one word—fabulous."
Sal Yousaf, a friend, shared a vivid metaphor for Allen’s life titled, Like a Jazz Bar:
"His life was like a jazz bar. Ambient lighting with soft, quirky music that always made you feel relaxed. Paintings of past times grace its walls. And fragrant candles make you feel at home. Fig and lemongrass. Rose and bergamot... Popular, timeless, solid, cosy, and upbeat. It was a favourite venue among us all... Although the floor became creaky, and cracks started to appear in the walls, to everyone who loved that place, the jazz bar stayed exactly as it was.
Proud, consistent, and always there to brighten even the darkest of days. And there were dark days. The last few years were tough on the place. And just recently, a few days ago, the jazz bar closed its doors. Tears and sorrow followed. But the music and the memories will last a lifetime amongst its loyal, frequent fans. The doors may be closed, but we will continue to visit and we’ll remember the venue just as it was. Warm, quirky, modern, humble, and absolutely delightful. His life was a jazz bar. The best jazz bar there ever was."
A legacy that will live on
Allen’s generosity represents a significant stride toward realising the University of Opportunity’s mission, which is fundamentally about removing gaps that exist for disadvantaged students and creating pathways for their success.
“Funding I received at York meant that I had the choice to work; it meant work was something I did for the experience and not to survive,” said Ira Iscandari, a York alum and University of Opportunity beneficiary.
Born with sickle cell anaemia, Ira faced significant pressure from the world around them. Without University of Opportunity funding, their growth and success at York would not have been possible.
“Without funding from the University, I wouldn't even have thought of doing an internship. I wouldn't have had the time to even look.”
Today, Ira is making a difference by working for a charity in London while pursuing an MA in History and Politics, with aspirations to return to psychology for a PhD.
Allen’s legacy will directly support scholarships and also drive broader initiatives that enhance opportunity and access for individuals of all ages. Gifts like Dr. Samuels’ are pivotal in advancing our goal of becoming a truly inclusive University of Opportunity for all. This contribution will help shape a more equitable academic landscape, ensuring that future generations of students can thrive regardless of their backgrounds.
If you would like to find out about the many ways you can help us to continue our work and support students and researchers at the University of York by leaving a gift in your will, please email our Legacy Manager, Maresa Bailey at maresa.bailey@york.ac.uk. You can also download our free legacy brochure here.