Top login menu

Murray Edwards College
University of Cambridge

College welcomes postgraduate student, Hanaa Yousif

  • Home
  • Main page content

    09 December 2021

    Murray Edwards welcomes postgraduate student, Hanaa Yousif, thanks to group giving in support of the

    'Get in Cambridge' initiative

    The ethos of the ‘Get in Cambridge’ initiative struck a chord with alumnae from Murray Edwards, which was founded as New Hall in 1954 with the aim of giving outstanding women from all backgrounds the opportunity to study at Cambridge. ‘Get In Cambridge’ aims to increase the number of students from historically under-represented ethnic minority communities.

    Linda Hanssler, Relationship Manager at the College says,

    Murray Edwards is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community in which every student is given the opportunity to succeed. We understand that students thrive when they feel comfortable being themselves, and the environment here is designed as much to support and encourage students as it is to challenge them intellectually. When ‘Get in Cambridge’ was launched to address the under-representation of British Black, British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani students at postgraduate level, the College was very keen to participate. 

    To reach the £15,000 goal needed to fund a postgraduate student via ‘Get in Cambridge’, the College approached 13 donors who were happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. The donors also gave to honour Dame Barbara Stocking as she stepped down as President of the College – establishing a Fund in her name to support widening participation. This tremendous act of group giving has enabled the College to welcome Hanaa to its postgraduate community – a student who would not have been able to study at Cambridge were it not for the support of the College’s donors.

    Hanaa says,

    I am so thankful for Murray Edwards College and the generous donors who have made it possible to study at the University of Cambridge. The impact of this award has removed the financial barrier hindering my pursuit of postgraduate education. In addition, the award has allowed me to immerse myself in a welcoming and inclusive community, one with an unparalleled commitment to improving opportunities for all women. I am so glad to be a part of this inspiring community and I hope to one day pay this generosity forward.

    Group giving is not unusual at the College –  22% of alumnae have made a gift this year. Most give regular monthly small gifts – which all add up and make a big difference. These gifts are absolutely vital to the College and go directly to support students and teaching. The College is incredibly grateful to its community for upholding the values on which the College was built.

    “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African proverb.