Rock legend launches music scholarship at Teesside University

Teesside University has announced a new scholarship with rock royalty Paul Rodgers to support the next generation of gifted music makers.

Paul Rodgers is a singer, songwriter and founding member of iconic rock bands Free and Bad Company. Together with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, they formed top grossing band The Firm, and he is also famed for his time performing with Queen. Paul is now giving back to the next generation by launching his inaugural scholarship at Teesside University. The 72-year-old rock legend and his wife, Cynthia Kereluk, have pledged £10,000 to support two undergraduates entering onto the BSc (Hons) Music Production course within Teesside University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries in Autumn 2022.

Through the Paul Rodgers Scholarship, successful applicants will benefit from financial support of £5,000 each, which will be distributed throughout the three-year course.

The scholarship aims to help aspiring music professionals to achieve their potential by providing financial support as they work towards a higher education qualification.

Paul Rodgers has forged a hugely successful career in the music industry and was highlighted as one of the top 100 singers of all time in a Rolling Stone magazine feature. He is eager to support others at the beginning of their professional journeys.

“A formal education was not a viable financial option for me,” explained Paul.

“I felt that I had no one to believe in me except me. I hope this scholarship supports someone who believes in themselves despite all the odds.”

The Middlesbrough-born musician is also thrilled to give back to Teesside University, having been awarded a Doctor of Letters in 2009.

Paul’s wife, Cynthia Kereluk, is a graduate in education from Canada’s Simon Fraser University. For 15 years she was the host and writer of the number one internationally syndicated TV fitness show, ‘The Everyday Workout’ - helping millions to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The author, artist, and a former Miss Canada, added: “Having lost both of my parents early, putting myself through University was a financial struggle, so hopefully this scholarship will afford someone an easier educational journey.”

The Paul Rodgers Scholarship sits alongside Teesside University’s other exciting new opportunities developed by famous faces for the next academic year, including the Franc Roddam Scholarship in film and television and the Beth Mead Scholarship for elite athletes.

Laura Sillars, Dean of the School of Arts & Creative Industries, commented: “Teesside University works tirelessly to develop new opportunities for students, and our scholarships play a vital role in boosting access and participation within higher education.

“The generosity of benefactors like Paul and Cynthia is hugely important in opening new doors for our talented undergraduates, and their support is much appreciated.

“We are proud to introduce the Paul Rodgers Scholarship as part of our fantastic catalogue of offerings, and we look forward to awarding it to two successful applicants later this year.”

The deadline for application to the Paul Rodgers Scholarship is 31 August, 2022.

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