Santander pledges support for students in Sheffield
The University of Sheffield has today (21 June 2010) signed a three year funding agreement with one of the world's biggest banks, Santander, that will create support for scholarships and enterprise.
Santander Universities, an international network which already supports 858 universities in Spain, Latin-America, Portugal, Russia, China, USA and the United Kingdom, will include support for a number of initiatives including:
• Scholarships for postgraduate students
• Research awards for staff and students to study or carry out research in universities in Latin American and Iberian Peninsular countries within the Santander Universities network
• Provide support for non-academic awards, which will link with the existing Sheffield Graduate Award, to recognise active citizenship in the local community
• Support of student entrepreneurship activities, including coaching and mentoring support for student entrepreneurs.
Luis Juste, Director of Santander Universities UK and Portugal, visited the University today to sign the agreement and open the new Santander branch in the University's Union of Students.
Professor Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "We are grateful for the support Santander has pledged to the University of Sheffield and believe it will have a great impact on our students. In addition to support for scholarships, the financial assistance will also allow more staff and students to research overseas, and help support our students in developing their business ideas. This is a fantastic opportunity for the University to work with a forward thinking organisation like Santander to promote the exchange of ideas and cultural understanding."
Luis Juste, Director of Santander Universities UK and Portugal, said: "I am delighted to represent Santander in signing this partnership agreement with the University of Sheffield. It is a prestigious University and I am looking forward to Santander supporting the students and staff here. We are also pleased to show our commitment to the whole University community by opening a Santander Universities branch on the University of Sheffield's extensive campus. I am hopeful that this is the start of a long and beneficial relationship."
Notes for Editors: To find out more about Santander Universities, visit the below link.
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk