Gallery: Annual Celebration of Giving

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Image of a talk in an Auditorium

In April, the University of Liverpool hosted the annual Celebration of Giving event at The Tung Auditorium to celebrate its wonderful donor community.

Opened by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones, donors and volunteers joined together to enjoy a special showcase event to see the impact their contributions are having on students, research, the Liverpool City Region and across the globe.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones welcomed guests, he said: "This event is very special to us because it is, above all else, about saying thank you. Today is our opportunity to express our deep gratitude to everyone who supports the University of Liverpool, whether through financial generosity, through volunteering your time, or through your continued advocacy and belief in what we do. Each and every one of you plays a direct role in our success, and the impact you make is real, tangible, and felt every single day across our University."

Hosted by Richard Hartwell, Artistic Director of The Tung Auditorium, the showcase brought the stories of those directly impacted by donor support into the spotlight. Attendees also heard from Michaela Riches, Interim Director of Development and Alumni Relations, who shared a heartfelt thank you to guests.

Student giving a talk at an event

Highlights from the event included a speech from Student Fund recipient and aspiring doctor, Maisie Payne who shared how donor support has impacted her, she said: “My social mobility story still isn't over, one day I'll be a doctor. So I really want to thank you for your past and continued support. There are many other students who are in the position I was once in, so I really want to urge you to keep donating. Have no doubt about it, you are changing lives. Thank you."

Dr Rasheed Zaharia, Senior Clinical Lecturer, Neurosurgery at the University of Liverpool and consultant neurosurgeon at the Walton Centre, illustrated how donations to the Glioblastoma Research Fund have enabled research into immunotherapy, a new type of treatment that is revolutionising oncology by manipulating the body’s own immune system into fighting cancer.

Guests were treated to a live performance from Becca Grant and Ben Mathot, recipients of the Sarah Barrow Bursary in Music, who shared a special vocal and piano performance with attendees.

Other highlights included a panel talk featuring some of our generous supporters discussing the power of giving and updates on their respective research projects from Duncan Norman Scholar Shelley Cathers and John Lennon Memorial Scholarship recipient Kaya Purchase.

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Celebration of Giving 2026

As a benefit of being a supporter of the University of Liverpool, donors and volunteers will receive a special invite to attend the Celebration of Giving event in 2027.

3 ways you can join the alumni and supporter community

  1. Become a LivUni mentor

    LivUni Mentors offers you the opportunity to share your career advice and story with current students and fellow alumni through informal mentoring via Handshake, the University’s Careers & Employability platform.

  2. Support students through the Student Fund

    Join our supporter community by giving back to the Student Fund. Your donation - no matter the size - helps create opportunities for current students through scholarships, bursaries and hardship funding.

  3. Stay connected with your alumni and supporter community at events and online

    Attending alumni events, engaging on social media or even sending encouraging notes to students helps build a culture of connection.