Scholarship sets students on path to success

Two ambitious Teesside University students have been given an added incentive to succeed after becoming the first recipients of a unique scholarship funded by a former graduate.

First year students Naman Hussain and Connor Kerr have each been given a £2,500 financial boost to support their studies and extracurricular activity during their time at Teesside.

They are the first students to receive the Peter Atherton Opportunities Award – launched last year.

Peter Atherton, one of the country’s leading equity analysts, graduated with a BA (Hons) Public Administration in 1987. He credits his degree from Teesside as a life-changing opportunity and now wants to help other young people to achieve their ambitions.

The funds will support a volunteering opportunity in the first year, a work placement in the second year and will help with the purchase of course equipment and contribute towards study costs in the third year.

Naman, 19, from Hartlepool, is studying BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance and was delighted to receive the scholarship.

'I can’t describe how it felt – I am just so grateful for the support,' said Naman.

'It has definitely given me extra motivation to do well here. Knowing there is somebody like Peter willing to support me is a fantastic feeling.

'The money will help me to take a volunteering opportunity and work placement. These kinds of activities are extremely important. Not only will it benefit me as a person and give me additional skills, but it will also make me more employable as I will have something else to show alongside my degree. It will also allow me to help the community which is something I think is really important.'

Connor, 18, from Thornaby, is studying BA (Hons) Business Management.

He said: 'Having this scholarship has given me a real boost. It has definitely made life less stressful and will create a lot of opportunities for me.

'I will be able to get involved in volunteering and work placements and know that I have the financial support to help me succeed.'

The Peter Atherton Opportunities Award is available to students in the Teesside University Business School.

It is designed to complement Peter’s belief that practical work experience is a vital ingredient when studying.

Peter said: 'I received a scholarship when I was younger and probably would not be where I am today without it.

'It is a great feeling to know that I am helping other young people who have the drive and determination to succeed.

'Naman and Connor are extremely bright, enthusiastic and ambitious students and I am pleased to be able to play a small part in their journey through higher education.'

Alastair Thomson, Dean of Teesside University Business School, added: 'I would like to thank Peter for his generosity in supporting our students during their time here.

'Peter has been incredibly successful throughout his career and I have no doubt that his scholarship, tailored specifically to encourage practical work experience, will provide an added incentive for Connor, Naman, and future students to try and emulate his success.'

'The business school has a long history of working with local and national companies to secure exciting work placements for our undergraduate students which, when combined with a Teesside University degree, allows them to stand out to employers.'

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