The University of Hull is the first higher education establishment in the UK to launch a new scholarship scheme aimed specifically at supporting LGBTQ+ students. The Jeremy Round Scholarship, named in memory of the “fearless” university alumnus and journalist, will award £1,000 to ten LGBTQ+ identifying undergraduate students who are either disabled or have a household income of under £25,000 per annum.
The scholarships are supported, and partially-funded, by Jeremy Round’s former partner, Jeremy Trevathan. The pair met while studying at Hull, with Trevathan explaining the difficulties he faced as a gay student in the 1970s: “I wanted to support this scholarship because of a period I experienced when I found myself alone, unable to talk with my family as I hadn’t come out to them, and was rejected by the new friends I thought I’d made at the beginning of my adult life.”
He continued: “There are many types of isolation that all undergraduates can experience. I wanted to set something up specifically for LGBTQ+ students who may have particular experiences and who may need some financial support.” The scholarships can be used to support students with accommodation costs, living expenses, books and other educational equipment that they may struggle to access otherwise.
Professor Becky Huxley-Binns, pro-vice-chancellor for education at the University of Hull, says that the institution is working “incredibly hard to make sure all students feel comfortable and settled”, adding: “We hope these new scholarships help to remove some of the barriers facing people accessing higher education, and build on the University’s commitment to equality and inclusivity.”
Students can apply for the scholarship online and can contact the Fair Access Office via hefunding@hull.ac.uk or call 01482 463002 to discuss any questions. Anyone wishing to support these scholarships should contact The Development and Alumni Relations Office by emailing Jonathan.greenwood@hull.ac.uk.
