The University of Aberdeen organised a lunch yesterday (Thursday, February 7) to mark the fourth successful year of the Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship. It offered the sponsors of the University’s Scholarship Scheme, PGS Production Limited, Britannia Operator Ltd and Kerr McGee (UK) North Sea Limited, the opportunity to celebrate the success of the current scholar, Neil Stirton, and learn about the difference the Scholarship has made during his time at the University.
The Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship has offered paid vacation work with PGS Production, which has enabled him to see how his University experience is relevant to working practice in an oil-related company.
Neil is now in his final year studying Computing Sciences and believes that the Scholarship has benefited him greatly in his personal development. He said: “Receiving the Scholarship has meant that I can concentrate on studying without having quite the same financial burdens as my peers.
“So far it has been hard work but I have developed my skills in computing immensely. Not only have I had academic experience but I have also been given the opportunity of working for PGS Production, formerly Atlantic Power, on a part-time basis since the summer of 1999. I have gained “hands-on” experience working in an IT department, providing hardware and software support. I have also assisted in the development of the company’s intranet site and am now exploring the security measures that are in place.”
The Scholarship is awarded to a student who shows considerable aptitude and ability for Computing Science and is able to demonstrate the need for financial support.
The Scholarship is available for the academic year 2002/2003 for a British student enrolled at the University for an Honours Degree in Computing Science.
The lunch took place on Thursday, February 7, in the Catherine Gavin Room, King’s College Conference Centre, from 12.00-2.00pm and attendees included representatives from the sponsoring companies, and the University, along with Neil.
For further information about the Scholarship Scheme, or if you would like to apply for the Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship, please contact the Student Recruitment and Admissions Service at the University of Aberdeen on: (01224) 273874, or visit the website at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/scholarship
Photographs are available on request – please contact Angela Begg on: (01224) 272960.