Making a difference for generations to come
"What this scholarship means to me is freedom. To develop and grow my creative voice and style. To open doors to exciting future opportunities. To enjoy my time at university without worrying about financial pressures. To continue to support my family whilst pursuing my dreams."
Zachary Burbidge, Judith Robinson Scholar
Throughout UEA’s lifetime, gifts in wills have played a vital part in our story. Our university itself was founded through generous gifts and almost every part of the institution has benefited from the legacies of alumni, friends and supporters.
Helping students fulfil their potential
One such legacy helping students fulfil their potential is the Judith Robinson Scholarship, which aims to support exceptional drama students at UEA.
Judith herself was a student at UEA between 1974 and 1977. Pursuing her passions in language and drama, as a student of English and Linguistics was something very close to her heart. She threw herself wholeheartedly into student life, taking part in drama productions and making lifelong friends. Her wish was to give like-minded students the opportunity to experience what she had enjoyed and so, with the support of the Development Office, the Judith Robinson Scholarship took shape.
We’re delighted to introduce Zachary, this year’s recipient of Judith’s generosity.
“Like Judith, I’m also a mature student. Embarking on a degree in further education was a daunting prospect after taking a few years out of school. But I’ve since learnt that Judith actively embraced opportunity when it came and having the courage to try something new is a quality I like to think we share.
After working for several years, I found I missed being immersed in the creative arts, performing and engaging with others on stage as I had done at college. Once I’d made my decision to pursue a degree in drama and literature, I was determined to see it through. However, funding my studies might have proved out of reach, had I not had the chance to apply for a scholarship.
When I found out my application had been successful I was over the moon - Judith’s generosity has completely transformed my life. I’ll be forever grateful to her and her family for this opportunity.
My passion for literature and the performing arts started at a very young age, it’s something that runs in my family. I’ve actively pursued this passion, taking lessons in acting and singing and then progressing to performances with the National Youth Theatre, the Norwich Theatre Royal and the Sewell Barn Theatre to name a few.
During my time at UEA I hope to develop my understanding of form and structure in various literary genres to help cement the construction of my own pieces of creative writing. My first novel is currently taking shape and I hope to finish it next year. I am also working on a play and it’s my ambition to rehearse and potentially stage a theatre production once it’s complete.
My first term has been incredibly positive as I’ve rediscovered the joy of studying drama and literature again. Whilst I was anxious, UEA’s nurturing and community-based environment has helped put me at ease. There is so much help on hand if you need it.
As well as studying, it has been delightful to be able to explore the plethora of societies and clubs at UEA to complement my degree, which I am able to balance with caring responsibilities at home.
I’m so grateful to Judith and her family for this opportunity. Learning can be a lifelong endeavour which doesn’t have to be confined to one stage of life. This Scholarship has given me the confidence and assurance to continue my education.
What this scholarship means to me is freedom. To develop and grow my creative voice and style. To open doors to exciting future opportunities. To enjoy my time at university without worrying about financial pressures. To continue to support my family whilst pursuing my dreams.”
A lasting impact
Leaving a gift in your will is an opportunity to make a truly lasting impact on the university and our students that will benefit generations to come. Whatever the size of your gift, it can play a vital role in ensuring a UEA education is accessible to all those who wish to study, regardless of their background.
At UEA we love nothing more than supporting generous donors in their wishes to create incredible opportunities. If you would like to talk to us about leaving a legacy – big or small – please get in touch with us by email at legacy@uea.ac.uk