St Catharine’s is pleased to invite applications to a new fund that will support our students to make the most of their time in Cambridge.
The College has established the Welland Family Fund this summer thanks to gifts made in recognition of the achievements of Professor Sir Mark Welland (Master 2016–23; Honorary Fellow 2023) supported by his wife, Lady Welland (Fellow Commoner 2020). Due to the extraordinary generosity of alumni members of the College Advisory Group (set up to support the ‘Our College, Our Future’ campaign by Sir Mark when he was Master) the fund total has reached £105,000. Applications may be made by current students, staff and Fellows of the College.
Sir Mark said, “After 7 years as Master at St Catharine’s it is wonderful that Lyn and are able to continue to support our students through the Welland Family Fund, established as a result of the generosity of alumni with whom we were closely engaged with. We are looking forward to making grants that will enrich the lives of our students ensuring that the St Catharine’s experience is truly unique.”
It is the intention that this Fund will support the life of St Catharine’s students, specifically funding areas that are unlikely to be supported by other means. The Welland family are especially interested in supporting activity that promotes and supports diversity, broadens the student experience, works with local disadvantaged communities or allows our students to showcase the college externally. Please note that the Fund is not in a position to provide hardship grants to individual students, and students in financial need should contact their Tutor in the first instance.
Catherine Twilley (2023), Development Director at St Catharine’s, celebrated the call for applications by commenting:
“Sir Mark and Lady Welland made numerous important contributions to St Catharine’s and worked tirelessly across many areas of College life for the benefit of current and future generations of our students, staff and Fellows, but I know that student support was and remains a cause close to their hearts. The Welland family as a whole made such a positive impact on our community over the seven years when Sir Mark was Master and I am delighted that this new fund honours and extends their legacy.”
The fund will be spent at the discretion of the Welland family, making grants to specific projects and/or individuals of up to £5,000 each. Anyone interested in applying is welcome to informally contact either Sir Mark (mew10@cam.ac.uk) or Lady Welland (lw571@cam.ac.uk) in the first instance for guidance. Please note that the Fund cannot provide hardship grants to individual students, and students in financial need should contact their Tutor in the first instance. Please provide as much detail as possible, including the sum you are requesting and the breakdown of costs.
Portrait of Prof. Sir Mark Welland by Miriam Escofet, with his family pictured in a frame above his shoulder (from the St Catharine's collection and currently hanging in Hall).
