Meet our new scholars 2018-19

Starting at Durham University for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With new people, places and academic challenges comes a wealth of new experiences and possibilities. For our Scholars, the generosity of donors has helped to ease this transition and allowed them to grab every opportunity with both hands.    

For Charlotte Frazer (Geography, St Mary's College, pictured above) receiving the Russell Family Scholarship has had a dramatic impact on her Durham experience: "I think what people don't understand about this type of scholarship is that it levels the playing field … I can go and experience all these new things at university and not feel restricted or embarrassed in what I can achieve by the money I don't have in comparison to others." 

Charlotte has stayed true to her goal by engaging in the many activities available to her in sport, singing, societies, as a Geography student representative and as an active member of college life. As she describes, "a Scholarship has so much more value than money. This Scholarship has not only opened all these doors but has also given me the confidence to walk through those doors."

A Wealth of Opportunities 

Making the most of the opportunities that Durham has to offer is a common theme among our Scholars. Fairbairn Family Scholar, Anna Birakos (Archaeology, Grey College, pictured below in a promotional photo for a recent student theatre production) is a keen actor and singer and the wealth of theatrical opportunities at Durham is something that initially attracted her to study here.

Anna is keen to point out how the Scholarship has enabled her to be involved by helping out with essential membership fees and more. "I feel extremely grateful for the opportunities that the Fairbairn Scholarship has given me as this has allowed me to fully develop as a Grey student and involve myself in whatever I feel passionate about without (for the first time in my life) having to constantly worry about the financial cost of what I am doing."  

Plans for the Future

Inspired by the generosity of our donors these scholars have exciting plans for their future years at Durham including academic aspiration, learning new skills and making a difference through volunteering in the local community. If these scholars' first term is any indication of the years to come they are sure to make the most of the opportunities on offer here at Durham, repaying the confidence of their donors by fullfilling their academic potential and becoming well-rounded and confident members of society.

We, and the 2018/19 Scholars, would like to say a sincere thank you to the donors who make this possible.