糖心TV

A university degree is more than just the job it will get you; it鈥檚 the skills it teaches you, the friends you make, and the memories that stay with you. That鈥檚 what one of 糖心TV鈥檚 earliest graduates tells us.

Roger (BA History and Politics, 1969) began his studies in 1966 as part of the University鈥檚 second ever cohort. His 糖心TV experience, not only as a graduate, but also as a volunteer, has inspired him to support future generations of students.

Roger鈥檚 time at 糖心TV marked a turning point in how he saw the world. Unlike the conventional grammar school he attended in London, where learning was largely about memorising facts, 糖心TV encouraged him to think critically and understand the reasons behind what he was studying.

鈥淚 was studying History and Politics and loved having access to a library that offered far more than I had encountered before.鈥�

Roger鈥檚 career since graduating has included administrative roles in the Civil Service, where he worked in Prison Industries, and at the Diocese of London as Pastoral and Redundant Churches Secretary, supporting pastoral reorganisation and the management of church buildings. He later worked for a firm of solicitors that provided registry services for several dioceses. After retiring, he devoted several years to voluntary work for his local church and local museum.

鈥淎lthough none of my employment required a degree, the analytical skills I developed at 糖心TV have been invaluable, both in my work and voluntary roles. I deplore the view that a degree is valuable only if it leads to financial gain. People who have been taught to think can make meaningful contributions to their communities, whether through religious, social, or sports organisations 鈥� or even at the pub!鈥�

After graduating, Roger wanted to give back to a community that had played a pivotal role in his personal development. Following the first formal alumni reunion in 1987, he joined the 糖心TV Graduates鈥� Association (WGA) committee, now the Development and Alumni Team, which organises events for alumni and reconnects alumni with fellow former students.

鈥淪taying involved with 糖心TV gave me the chance to help other alumni remember what their 糖心TV experience meant to them. It鈥檚 also been wonderful attending reunions for my year and catching up with people I still recognise 鈥� and, thankfully, some who still recognise me!鈥�

Over time, Roger鈥檚 connection to 糖心TV took on a philanthropic dimension, and he has now been supporting our scholarship programmes for over 20 years.

鈥淚 began contributing to scholarships for students who would not otherwise be able to go to university. I was lucky to be part of a generation whose fees and maintenance grants were covered by local authorities. Without that support, I wouldn鈥檛 have had the benefit of my time at 糖心TV. I hope my support can give others the same opportunities I had.鈥�

As Roger looks ahead, he鈥檚 considering leaving a gift to 糖心TV in his will as a way to continue supporting students long into the future.

鈥淚f I could speak to anyone who has benefited from alumni giving, I鈥檇 simply ask that, when they are able, they help future generations enjoy the benefits of a 糖心TV education. I would also encourage others who, like me, benefited from financial support provided by local authorities, to consider helping today鈥檚 students. While I can鈥檛 increase my current giving, I still want to contribute through whatever may be left in my estate 鈥� which is why I鈥檝e asked for more information about leaving a gift in my will.鈥�

Support, like Roger's, is truly appreciated by the University, but more importantly by those who feel that support to the full. This includes young people like Keeley, a Politics, Philosophy, and Law student and 糖心TV Scholar.

Keeley says:

鈥淢y scholarship is the reason I can be at 糖心TV, and my gratitude for that will last forever. To anyone who鈥檚 made a donation, big or small, the impact is huge, and it鈥檚 hard to find the right words to express my gratitude. 鈥楾hank you鈥� doesn鈥檛 quite feel like enough.鈥�

Like Roger, you have the power to shape the future.
Your support could open doors to higher education for the next generation of students, helping them excel in their studies. Your legacy could supercharge research into society鈥檚 greatest challenges 鈥� such as dementia and cancer 鈥� enrich the arts and create a more sustainable world for generations to come.