SAYING 'THANK YOU' TO QUEEN’S BENEFACTORS  

22 October 2018

On Saturday 20 October, Professor Ian Greer welcomed the University’s top donors, volunteers, supporters and legacy donors to Riddel Hall for the annual ‘thank-you’ Benefactors’ Lunch, his first since taking up post as Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

Almost 150 guests, the largest ever attendance at the event, enjoyed a lively drinks reception with background music provided by the Scott Flanigan Jazz trio, before taking their seats for lunch in the Isdell Courtyard.

Norma Sinte, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, welcomed guests to the lunch and introduced a short video (available below) of the latest news from the University. “This is a very special lunch when we get to celebrate and thank you – our top donors and supporters – who support Queen’s students, important research and University capital projects so generously throughout the year.”

 

 

In his address Professor Greer, who highlighted the impact philanthropy was having on the University, said: “Today is a reflection on the achievements of past year, a celebration of philanthropy, and an opportunity to look forward.

“Your support makes an enormous and life-changing impact on the lives of our students and our research and on your University. Support like this is a tangible demonstration of partnership – partnership between Queen’s and its graduates, and between this University and the community.

“Partnership and collaboration are key to Northern Ireland’s future prosperity,” he added.

Professor Greer also highlighted a number of recent University news stories, and singled out two key projects – Widening Participation and Queen’s Simulation Centre – which he said would impact greatly on the lives of individuals in Northern Ireland in the coming years.  

Guests next heard from Paula Moran, Outreach & Learning Development Manager at the University, who gave a well-received presentation on the Widening Participation programme at Queen’s. Ms Moran talked about the Junior Academy Sports Programme, the Junior and Senior Academies and Pathway Opportunity Programme.

After dessert and coffee had been served, Norma Sinte introduced the afternoon’s final speaker – Charles Haughey. The third year PhD student in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology talked about the importance and the personal impact of the funding he had received for his doctorate from the Gracey family – two of whom are Queen’s graduates – living in Canada.

The event formally concluded at 3pm when Ms Sinte once again thanked guests for their ongoing backing and for the philanthropy which was impacting on all aspects of life at Queen’s. Encouraging those present to keep on supporting the University she closed by quoting Winston Churchill who once said: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give’.

Such was the success of the occasion that many stayed on to mingle with fellow benefactors, to chat with staff and or simply to take in the surrounds of Riddel Hall.

To find out how you can support the fundraising work of Queen’s Foundation please visit the Development and Alumni Relations Office website.

General enquiries about this news story to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University Belfast, tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.

 

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