26 QMYOU / Development News
Santander
Universities helps QMU and its students contribute to society
An impressive new package of support from Santander Universities is helping QMU in its mission to improve people ’ s lives locally , nationally and internationally .
THE PACKAGE , AMOUNTING to £ 195k over the next three years , will also help QMU improve the student experience and employability , as well as enhancing QMU ’ s reputation as a university without borders . Santander Universities is one of QMU ’ s largest donors with total funding since 2007 reaching £ 700,000 . So far , the organisation ’ s contribution has supported over 250 QMU staff and students , SMEs and charities .
The new funding package is being used by QMU to attract international students , fund research projects , develop student internships and work opportunities , and support our work in the community .
Santander Universities community awards are directly in line with QMU ’ s philosophy of social responsibility by recognising students for their volunteering efforts with charities , social enterprises and voluntary organisations .
Professor Petra Wend , QMU Principal , said : “ QMU is committed to improving the student experience and providing outstanding opportunities for employability . Santander ’ s support of internships and work placements is having a significant impact on our students ' employment prospects with many securing further employment with the SMEs which have participated in the internship programme .”
This official agreement between QMU and Santander Universities was finalised at a reception held at the University in April . The event brought together a wide range of students , graduates , SMEs and charities which had directly benefited from Santander ’ s support .
Fiona Maclean , Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy , has been a recipient of a Santander award which has allowed her to share her research findings from her PhD at an international conference in Japan . This helped her to extend QMU ’ s international research reach and to connect with international leaders in the specialist field of occupational therapy .
Fiona has also strengthened the University ’ s relationship with Alzheimer Scotland by developing a series of internships with the leading dementia organisation . This work has led to a strategic partnership between QMU and the organisation , and has had a significant impact on people ‘ living well ’ with dementia and their families . Importantly , our occupational therapy students ’ work with Alzheimer Scotland is helping to ensure that services designed and provided across all sectors of society are shaped by the views and needs of people living with dementia .
Professor Wend concluded : “ The support from Santander Universities is not only allowing QMU to enhance the confidence , skills and knowledge of its students , it is enabling staff and graduates to be a positive force within society by helping to improve health outcomes , build businesses and contribute to communities . Ultimately , it is helping QMU develop its aim of being a university of ideas and influence .”
Matt Hutnell , Director of Santander Universities , said : “ Santander ’ s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper . In this regard , our support to universities is of paramount importance , as these institutions play a key role in the development of knowledge and innovative ideas in the communities they are in . I have visited QMU several times and in every new visit I can see the great impact that our funding has had on both students and staff , which encourages us to continue working with this university investing in education and research .” ❒
26 QMYOU / Development News