The annual reception thanks donors for their support and brings to life stories illustrated in Imperial’s annual fundraising report.
On a warm and sunny summer evening, more than 60 guests gathered at the Sir Michael Uren Hub in the heart of Imperial’s White City Campus. The Impact of Giving event is an annual reception that brings together Imperial’s friends and supporters and demonstrates how philanthropy touches all aspects of life at the university, including its research and people.
Welcoming guests, President Hugh Brady thanked them for coming and for their ongoing support of Imperial. He also spoke about the White City Campus as a place for growth and innovation: “This campus is home to Imperial’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
“Every day our students, staff and partners come together to interrogate the forces that shape our world, so that we can better understand and design our future, and use that understanding to tackle the biggest challenges facing humanity.”
Bringing stories to life
The event takes inspiration from Imperial’s Impact of Giving report – an annual publication that thanks donors for their support and showcases the far-reaching impact their giving has at the university.
Several display stands were available at the venue, featuring exciting ventures backed by philanthropy at Imperial. Guests could see stories from the report come to life; hearing from the Centre for Psychedelic Research about new treatment options for mental health and PhD student Magdalene Ho about AptaSkin, her startup on super-plaster that used the patient's own proteins to accelerate healing. Untap Health, a startup led by alumnus and Entrepreneur's Pledger Dr Claire Trant was also involved, presenting their device to monitor real-time health and help detect outbreaks in the environment.
The impact of philanthropy
During the event, Imperial scholars who have received financial assistance in the form of scholarships or bursaries were also present. Donors enjoyed the opportunity to speak with students and hear firsthand about how their donations are making a difference.
Moyin Sina-Atanda, Medicine undergraduate student and recipient of the President's Scholarship, said: "I have always been passionate about biology and medicine, especially about women's health. Receiving a scholarship has allowed me to pursue the field I want to go in to without worrying about money, which I'm really grateful for. It has allowed me to explore my interests outside of medicine and proactively seek ways to contribute positively to society. This scholarship has been a blessing, one I don’t take for granted."
When I received my scholarship, it felt like someone believed in my ability to succeed. Jayden Jackson Aeronautical Engineering student and Cowrie Scholarship scholar
Over the last financial year, the university received over £5 million in student support, enabling talented students—regardless of their financial circumstances—to continue benefiting from the remarkable advantages an Imperial education can give them.
Jayden Jackson, Aeronautical Engineering student and recipient of the Cowrie Scholarship, said: "Scholarships have a huge influence on a student’s motivation to succeed at university. When I received my scholarship, it felt like someone believed in my ability to succeed. Apart from alleviating my financial worries and providing life-changing opportunities, the scholarship gave me the confidence and motivation to work harder and use this very opportunity that I was given."
In the 2023-24 financial year, Imperial received a record-breaking £91.9 million in philanthropic gifts, the most the university has received in a single year. This was made possible thanks to 3,611 donors, 2,986 among whom were Imperial alumni. Over 1.000 alumni also volunteered their time and skills, giving over 13,200 volunteer hours.
Kristin Blanchfield, Vice President of Advancement, said: “Thank you to all of you who support us – who see what makes Imperial exceptional and understand that we have the capability to change the world for the better.
“All you need to do is look around the room to see the impact your generosity has. We are surrounded by talent and innovation realised thanks to the opportunities philanthropy has enabled.”
Read Imperial’s 2023-24 Impact of Giving report here.
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Reporter
Christiana Jasutan
Advancement
