Celebrating Philanthropy at Lancaster

To help commemorate our sixty-year milestone, we speak to two of our longstanding supporters about their time at university and how Lancaster has had an impact on their lives, the importance of their continued relationships with Lancaster and their thoughts on philanthropy.

David Barron, Accounting & Finance, 1980, Furness

Since graduating in 1980, David has had an extensive career in finance, is an experienced leader in the asset management sector and is a Director of a number of investment trusts.

David fondly recalls the times that set the stage for his professional journey. “Lancaster was one of the first universities to teach accounting and finance as an academic discipline, and we were taught to have a healthy scepticism to taking information at face value. I think this is a good grounding for a career in finance. Learning to think independently, to be a bit contrarian and to challenge were all part of a Lancaster degree then, and I believe they are now.”

Furness College was a big part of university life for David: “We identified with our colleges and inter-college rivalry was keen, be it at sport or who had the best bar which of course required regular visits to them all to check!”

Reflecting on the spirit of the University in its early years, David says: “Lancaster was still quite a new university developing in its own way and there was a sense of huge freedom and opportunity. It felt very tolerant and welcoming, whose size and location were central to creating the culture of inclusivity and innovation where everything was on your doorstep but so much was also in the surrounding area, such as its proximity to some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery.”

David has remained closely connected with Lancaster as a Lay Member of University Council and Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, amongst other roles, offering his incredibly valuable insights and experience. “I have been privileged to work in these roles and to experience colleagues’ passion for their work and the University.

“If you haven’t been back to Bailrigg, the 60th anniversary is a great excuse to do so. The campus has developed but is instantly recognisable. I find having a tangible connection to a place of so many great memories hugely rewarding.”

On supporting the University, David says: “The alumni body is now so big and diverse that support can be best achieved at an individual level through mentoring, lecturing or seminars, outreach into schools or financial support. Alumni will, in my experience, find Lancaster people welcoming and receptive.”

David’s philanthropy towards Lancaster spans almost three decades, something for which we are truly grateful.

“Giving is to a degree both rational and emotional,” says David. “You hope to make a difference by supporting areas of research or projects that means something to you. I looked for where Lancaster had an edge, and which meant something through a personal experience.

“Being a relatively new university, Lancaster doesn’t have a history of legacies and endowments and is competing with those that do. I want to see the University thrive and get even better.”

Funke Amobi, MBA, 2008, Graduate College

With over 25 years’ experience across the oil & gas and banking & telecommunications sectors, Funke is currently the Deputy Head of Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank in Nigeria and was “blown away” upon discovering the Lancaster University MBA Programme.

“The Lancaster MBA was everything I wanted in one package, innovative in its high-quality curriculum and hands on. My first impressions of Lancaster did not stop there, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Lancaster and the learning environment it provided, a feeling I still get each time return.”

Funke recalls how the MBA programme helped her on her career trajectory. “Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures was one of my high points. With 75 students from 25 different nationalities, the difference in perspectives and belief systems was endless, preparing me for an executive career with responsibility for diverse teams.”

Funke’s time at Lancaster left a lasting affinity. “Remaining connected with Lancaster has been phenomenal. I have served on the Lancaster University Management School Advisory Board which has been an excellent opportunity to bring real world practice into academia, helping to prepare Lancaster graduates for the world of work.

“I also serve as a Professorial Fellow in the Department of Organisation, Work and Technology, giving me a platform to give back through expertise and experience. Acting as an ambassador for Lancaster University is so fulfilling.”

As a philanthropist, Funke is inspired to give back to Lancaster because of the major impact the MBA played in launching her management and international career. “My Lancaster education has been a significant aspect of my upward trajectory in life, therefore giving back comes naturally to me. I received so much value taking me to the heights of my career, so I feel a sense of duty to give back to support other students.

“Philanthropy is an important aspect of life; it is a big driver of social change and provides opportunities to support development. In my view, alumni have a vital role to play in not only philanthropy, but by also sharing our time, talent and resources.”

We share our deepest gratitude to David and Funke for their inspirational support, work and commitment to Lancaster University.

And Finally...

We were delighted to see so many of our supporters at our Supporter Appreciation Evening in London in March, thank you to everyone who joined us. Our supporters mean a great deal to us, and the evening provided a wonderful opportunity for us to say thank you in person.

You can learn more about the impact of philanthropy at Lancaster by visiting www.lancaster.ac.uk/giving, and to speak to us directly, please email friends@lancaster.ac.uk To explore more about our volunteering opportunities, please email alumni@lancaster.ac.uk