Rutland students bring to life the power of philanthropy at University of Leicester campaign launch

The power of philanthropy was brought to life at a special event in Rutland, where two county students shared their experiences of being awarded a University of Leicester scholarship.

Medical students Michael Dibbern and Holly-Ann Healy are both beneficiaries of the Sir Laurence Howard Rutland Scholarship, which provides Leicester students with a county connection with £6,000 over three years.

The duo were on-hand to talk about the scholarship’s impact at the Rutland launch of the University’s 2121: Founders of the Future philanthropy campaign, which aims to raise £100m to fund life-changing research and education.

The event, which was held at Harington School, in Oakham, on Thursday 1 October, was hosted by Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester.

Mature student, Michael Dibbern, is in his second year at Leicester Medical School after he left the Armed Forces to retrain as a doctor – with the intention of returning to the Forces once qualified. Receiving the scholarship has eased the pressure he faces as he juggles his studies with bringing up a family.

He said: “It’s enabled my partner to transition into a more sustainable career role that is closer to home and offers the flexibility required for working parents. This has had a profound effect on reducing the stress and uncertainty we have faced as a family.

“In turn, it has allowed me to maintain focus on my studies as the demands of the medical degree have increased, while also giving us more meaningful time together with our son, without the constant burden of financial pressure.”

Michael added: “Research consistently demonstrates that reducing financial strain improves students’ concentration, mental wellbeing, and academic integration. I have certainly found this to be true. Furthermore, the stability this scholarship has provided has allowed us to create a more psychologically secure environment for our three-year-old son, supporting his emotional and social development during an important stage of childhood. Philanthropic support such as this can genuinely help level the playing field for students in positions similar to my own.”

Fourth year medical student Holly explained what the scholarship meant to her.

“It eased some of the financial pressure of working alongside my studies,” she said. “I work at a care home for adults with learning disabilities, and while I really enjoy my job, the scholarship gives me more flexibility to balance my shifts with studying and clinical placements.”

Once she qualifies, Holly will consider specialising in either emergency or acute medicine, or psychiatry.

Sir Nishan said: “It was truly humbling to hear how the Sir Laurence Howard Rutland Scholarship has helped two truly inspirational students with their educational journey.

“The scholarship is a practical and meaningful way of strengthening the educational link between the county and the University, and of ensuring that people from Rutland can see the University of Leicester as a place where they belong and can thrive.

“Now, with the launch of our most ambitious fundraising campaign taking place right here in Rutland, it is the support of people from across the county that will help us to embark on a range of transformative projects to greatly enhance our impact on society and firmly drive a second century of change.

“I would like to thank everybody who attended our launch, and in particular, Harington School for allowing us to use such an exceptional venue.”

The Oakham launch was the second University event held in Rutland this summer – in June a ceremony to mark the links between the institution and county was held in Lyddington.

Find out how to support the 2121: Founders of the Future campaign.