Meet our Donors who volunteer
Mentoring
Mentors empower many of our scholars in their personal and professional development. Ian Branagan, Manchester Met BSc Economics and European Studies 1990 graduate and First Generation Scholarship Programme donor, has mentored First Generation Scholars Mollie and Senay for four years. They share their experience below.
“My experience on the First Generation Programme has been incredible. Not only was the programme incredibly useful in securing items to make studying easier, but being paired with my mentor and First Generation donor, Ian Branagan, has been truly exceptional. He not only took the time to review my CV and provide valuable feedback, but he went above and beyond by helping me to gain a week of work experience in London, which turned out to be the best experience of my life so far. Without a doubt, Ian’s mentorship has been incredible, and I am immensely grateful for his guidance.”
Mollie, 3rd Year BA (Hons) Business Management with Law, First Generation Scholar.
“Looking back at my time as a First Generation Scholar, I think the advice, insight and opportunities my mentor Ian Branagan has provided me have been the most valuable part of my experience. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to speak with me. I genuinely feel that he wants me to succeed.
“When I see the opportunities ahead of me, I know they are thanks to the incredible experience at RenaissanceRe, which equipped me with new skills and boosted my confidence to excel in the corporate world. Since making my graduate job applications, I’ve had a couple of interviews and Ian has been there every step of the way to offer his support. I really appreciate that he gives feedback to me straight and I know exactly what I need to do to improve.
“Though I graduate this summer I feel fortunate that my connection with Ian isn’t finished. Thank you to my mentor Ian for all of the opportunities and guidance he’s provided me.”
Senay, 3rd year BA (Hons) Economics, First Generation Scholar.
Guest talks
Many of our donors have significant industry experience or perspectives to share in support of the development of our scholars. By sharing their knowledge and experience, they inspire our scholars to aspire towards the goals they may only have dreamt of. In May 2024, we had the great pleasure of hosting talks from Manchester Law School alumni and First Generation donors, David Lister and Jackie Marks. Below they share why they enjoy and want to share their experience with the next generation.
“It’s always a pleasure to come to Manchester Met and do something that helps somebody who needs it. For me, it’s about giving something back. It’s not all about take in this world. Giving back to the next generation is important.”
David Lister, Manchester Met Law graduate 1983 and First Generation donor.
“It was such a privilege to meet some of Manchester Met’s undergraduate law students, those on the bar vocational course and also students studying for their degree in social work. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to offer my knowledge in such an interactive way by conducting a mock trial in Manchester Met’s impressive ‘court room’. The challenges of embarking upon a career after graduating are many and I am so pleased to know that Manchester Met students benefitted from having the practical experience of presenting a case in court or giving evidence to a judge which I am sure will stand them in good stead for the future.”
Jackie Marks, Manchester Met Law graduate 1983 and First Generation donor.
Sharing their philanthropic stories
Our donors are also happy to share their wonderful philanthropic stories through the regular Meet our Donors news piece. This regular feature gives us the opportunity to shed light on the unique circumstances and experiences many of our donors will have had and which play a role in the support they now choose to give. These inspirational stories range from how some have come to philanthropy from growing up in a culture of ‘giving back’, while others have faced similar barriers as our students and want to help the next generation forge successful lives. What connects these poignant stories is a deep-rooted desire to help others succeed.
“Working with Manchester Met and with students takes me back to my own experience, it reminds me of how challenging and potentially ambition-limiting it can be for individuals if they don’t get support and advice.”
Matt Hamnett, Manchester Met Human Resources Management graduate 2007 alumnus and donor.
Meet our Donors: Fasha Mahjoor
On behalf of our scholarship and prize recipients, we would like to thank our donors for their ongoing support and partnership. They are providing transformational opportunities for less advantaged students and funding for pioneering research that helps improve lives and transform communities around the world.
If you would like to find out more about how you can make a difference at Manchester Met, please visit: www.mmu.ac.uk/giving or if you are a donor of Manchester Met and would like to share your story, please get in touch: giving@mmu.ac.uk
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