视频文字:Queen's students "key to world-class future" - Gregson Queen's students have a key role to play in ensuring a "world-class future" for the University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson has said.
Speaking ahead of a special ceremony to honour the first winners of the University's prestigious new scholarships programme, Professor Gregson said: "Queen’s has a responsibility not only to its current and future students but to society as a whole.
“One of the most meaningful ways in which we can meet this responsibility is by attracting top-quality students. Our scholarships programme helps us to do this. It rewards exceptional performance and it helps us to ensure that a first-class academic experience is available to all eligible students."
The scholarships package represents an investment of more than £200,000 by the University and includes awards of £1,000 for students gaining three As at A-level and enrolling on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects at Queen’s. It also offers awards across all Queen’s subject areas and Gold Medal Scholarships of £7,500 for the best A-level student entering each of the University’s three Faculties.
Among the award-winning guests at Wednesday’s event will be medical student Kevin Cassidy from Fintona in Co. Tyrone, the top A-level entrant to Queen’s in 2008. A former pupil of Christian Brothers Grammar School in Omagh, Kevin won the Gold Medal Award for the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, and the Sullivan, David Russell Lappin and Megaw Entrance Scholarships.
The scheme has been welcomed by Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey. He said: "If our economy is to survive and prosper, we need highly-qualified graduates in the key areas of science, technology, engineering and maths. It is crucial that we continue to produce graduates with the right blend of know-how, expertise and innovation to ensure our future economic prosperity. If we don’t have that, then our economic outlook could be even bleaker than it is today.
”I must commend Professor Gregson and Queen’s for their vision and commitment. This is a truly unique initiative and one which must be welcomed. It is evidence of the impact which higher education plays in our economy, both in terms of producing suitably qualified graduates, and as institutions in their own right."
Professor Gregson added: "The STEM awards reward top entrance students in subjects essential for Northern Ireland’s economic growth. But Northern Ireland and the wider community also need those who will lead society through the professions, through contributing to culture and enhancing our understanding of the world in which we live. That is why our scholarships scheme includes Gold Medal and Entrance awards for students in all disciplines.
“As Queen’s enters its second century as a university, we are looking towards a future in which our presence will be felt even more strongly on the world stage.
“We aim to nurture a dynamic community of outstanding academics and students with the ability and imagination to match the best in the world. Our students are the leaders of tomorrow and our scholarships scheme is not only an investment in their futures but in the future of the University and of Northern Ireland."
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