Fundraising project wins national award

The University received the award at the CASE Europe 2011 Leadership, Matched Funding and Volunteer awards last night (Wed, 15 June 2011).

The award was for a fundraising project to enable the University to transform the Students’ Union facilities into the new-look Ambika Paul Student Union Centre. The Centre, at the City Campus, was unveiled in 2010.

The Matched Funding Scheme is a government-led matched funding scheme that aims to increase voluntary giving to higher education (HE) providers.

The Students’ Union project received a £200,000 donation from The Ambika Paul Foundation, a charitable trust established by the University’s Chancellor, the Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone, PC. This figure was matched by the Scheme.

The University won the Tier 1 Matched Funding Award, which recognised that the University had reached its fundraising target and the maximum amount possible for that tier.

Jane Nelson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Affairs, said: "We are delighted to have received this prestigious recognition for our fundraising project to create the Ambika Paul Student Union Centre. The student experience is at the heart of the University's mission, and thanks to the Ambika Paul Foundation and the Matched Funding scheme we have been able to create an attractive social space that is well-used by our student community."

The Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone, PC said: “Education and student welfare is of paramount importance to the future strength of the nation. I am proud to be Chancellor of the university and I am glad that the Paul family’s foundation has been able to support this facility.”

Situated in the same location as the former Students’ Union, the area has been completely refurbished and re-designed to meet the needs of Wolverhampton’s student population.

It includes a coffee bar area with comfortable seats and plasma screens, a study zone with computers, meeting rooms and offices.

The CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) Europe Matched Funding Awards recognise the achievements of three development teams (one per tier) which have maximised the Matched Funding Scheme opportunity to improve and sustain their fundraising over the course of 2010/11 (the second year of the scheme).

The ceremony at the British Academy was also attended by The Hon Akash Paul, representing the Ambika Paul Foundation.

ENDS

Picture: Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Affairs, Jane Nelson, receiving the University of Wolverhampton’s Tier 1 Matched Funding Award from Professor Eric Thomas, President and Vice-Chancellor of University of Bristol.

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736