Alumni engagement and philanthropy

Congratulations to this year's Queen’s Scholars!  

09 September 2014

Queen's has awarded a free education to 10 of Northern Ireland's brightest young minds in the second year of a major scholarship scheme.

As a Queen’s Scholar, the students, who begin their studies at the University later this month, will each have their annual tuition fees paid by Queen’s for the duration of their undergraduate degree.

The awards are worth a total of almost £150k to the winners, who were selected from 156 students nominated by 83 schools and colleges across Northern Ireland.

Each school or college was asked to nominate those pupils who could demonstrate exceptional achievements outside academic life, whether in sport, music and the arts, business and enterprise or through community work, with a particular focus on leadership, enterprise and social responsibility.

Prior to the winners being announced, a shortlist of 68 pupils attended a selection day at Queen’s where they were assessed on a range of competencies by a number of business leaders.

This year’s ten Queen’s Scholars are:

  • Rebekah Ruth Craig (Belfast), Strathearn School, Belfast - Maths
  • Rachel Cullen (Belfast), Grosvenor Grammar School, Belfast - Medicine
  • Eoin Curran (Crossgar), St Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick - Medicine
  • Daryl Jane Hinchcliffe (Carrowdore), Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor - Chemistry
  • Nina Lloyd-Humphreys (Donaghadee), Sullivan Upper School, Holywood - Law
  • Katie McComb (Lisburn), Victoria College, Belfast - Medicine
  • Jordan McCullough (Carrickfergus), Carrickfergus Grammar School, Carrickfergus - French and Spanish
  • Bronagh McGuckin (Maghera), St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt - Dentistry
  • Aoife McQuaid (Banbridge), Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry - Law and French
  • Jason Nicoletti (Broughshane), Ballymena Academy, Ballymena - Medicine

Announcing the news, Director of Student Plus at Queen’s, Isabel Jennings, said: “Each of the Queen’s Scholars has demonstrated exceptional leadership and enterprise skills and an outstanding commitment to social responsibility which, alongside their academic strengths, mark them out as the best and brightest young people Northern Ireland has to offer.

“I am delighted to welcome them to Queen’s. I am sure they will each make a valuable contribution to university life and embrace the many opportunities on offer here.”

The Queen’s Scholars will arrive on Saturday 13 September 2014 to meet University staff during the first ever Family Open Day which gives students and their families a chance to find out more about studying at the University. 

Domestic Recruitment Manager at Queen’s, Anthony McGrath said: “The Queen’s Scholars awards are among the most prestigious available from any UK university. They are the latest addition to Queen’s annual undergraduate scholarship package, which is worth £300,000 per year, benefits approximately 200 students, and represents a crucial investment in Northern Ireland’s future prosperity.

“Queen’s is committed to investing in the delivery of an exceptional academic and non-academic student experience, leading to excellent career opportunities for our graduates so they can stay local and go global. Our aim is to provide students with the life skills that will allow them to contribute to the Northern Ireland community, both professionally and culturally.  That is why our scholarships include awards for students across all disciplines.”

Click here for more information on Queen’s undergraduate scholarships.

Media inquiries to the Communications Office at Queen’s University Belfast on 028 9097 3087 or comms.office@qub.ac.uk

 

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