University of Sunderland celebrates 25 year partnership with city's Rotary Club after six figure donation
To mark the 25 year partnership, the university hosted a Rotary Club Day
The University of Sunderland is celebrating a 25 year partnership with the city’s Rotary Club which has seen students benefit from a six figure donation.
To date, Rotary Club Sunderland has donated a whopping £178,000 to the city’s university to support disadvantaged and gifted students.
The club’s most recent fundraising efforts saw £25,000 split between the University of Sunderland and the Great North Air Ambulance.
Two students to benefit from the Rotary Club’s funding are Paramedic Science students Aaron Harlow-Stephenson and Bethany Campbell.
Former firefighter Aaron, who has received training from the Great North Air Ambulance, has been funded with a scholarship, and has made a huge contribution in both his studies as a paramedic, and as a player for England Universities' Rugby League squad.
Both Bethany and Aaron will start work with the North East Air Ambulance Service this summer.
Paul Dunlop, President of the Rotary Club of Sunderland, said: “The ethos of Rotary Club is of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service and leadership. The University of Sunderland is an important part of our city and whilst it may be a cliché, the young people are our future and we are delighted to be able to help them through our partnership with the University.”
As a Consultant Surgeon at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Mr Dunlop was particularly keen to support both the work of the Great North Air Ambulance and the University’s School of Medicine.
Mr Dunlop said: “The Rotary Club are in a position to make a donation to this essential charity and it is fitting that we are making this donation in a University that now has a Medical School and a paramedical degree course.”
To mark the 25 year partnership, the university hosted a Rotary Club Day which also saw the club award a new prize, The Rotary Club of Sunderland’s President’s Prize Award. The award went to Megan Hart, a BA Fine Art student who graduates next month (July). Megan, who is a care leaver, is partially sighted and received the award in recognition of her “outstanding achievements”.
Commenting on the creation of the new prize, the University's Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Sir David Bell, said, “We have benefited enormously from the generosity of Rotary Club Sunderland over the past quarter of a century. The new Rotary Club of Sunderland’s President’s Prize Award is a great new addition to that support, and I warmly congratulate Megan Hart on being the first recipient.
“Many students, past and present, have been grateful to Rotary Club Sunderland for their support. I would add the University's thanks as the contribution of the Club has been invaluable to us over the years. Long may it continue.”
The event also celebrated the success of the University of Sunderland Gospel Choir. Founded in 2024 by Medical student Amarachi Inyama, the choir has become a vibrant part of student – and city – life, supporting runners at this year's Sunderland City Run.
With support from the Rotary Club donations and other funding, the Choir was able to travel to London earlier this year to compete in the University Gospel Choir of the Year competition.