The event took place on Wednesday 3 October, giving a chance for James, a long-time supporter of the University, to connect with student beneficiaries and learn about the difference the scholarship has made to them.
The Wates Group is one of the largest privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK, working towards a sustainable long-term future of the built environment. Their charitable arm, The Wates Foundation, has made grants totalling over £100 million for almost 50 years to a range of projects and initiatives.
The Wates Scholarships offer financial assistance to Westminster’s UK home students who are the first in their family to attend University and are embarking on full-time undergraduate study within the School of Architecture and Cities. Eleven students have been awarded the Wates scholarship since 2016, all studying a range of different disciples including Architecture and Interiors, Real Estate, Tourism and Events and Property and Planning. The £2,000 annual scholarship contributes to students’ living costs, enabling them to fully focus on their studies whilst alleviating financial stress and worry.
Scholar Ewan Smith, who is in his final year of BA Tourism and Events Management, said, “Having the support from Wates is an honour and an incentive to do well. At times when I’ve struggled, it reminded me that I wasn’t doing this alone and I’m truly thankful to have received this scholarship.”
Dr Peter Bonfield, Vice Chancellor and President of the University, said, “The Wates Foundation scholarship awards help our students to become a beacon of good examples, radiating our University’s core values of being compassionate, responsible and progressive, to everyone around them.”
