QMUEmpower: Alumni and donors making an impact
What is QMUEmpower?
QMUEmpower is what Queen Margaret University offers students beyond their studies. It’s the extra layer that helps students thrive – through scholarships, bursaries, mentoring and other opportunities like global exchanges and widening access trips. These experiences build confidence, networks and skills that complement academic learning.
Scan the QR code to get the detail on QMUEmpower
www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/qmuempower
Alumni and donors making an impact
At QMU, we believe every student should have access to the career-enhancing opportunities that prepare them to succeed and make a difference in the world. QMUEmpower is how we deliver on that belief - providing scholarships, mentoring, and experiences that complement academic study and build confidence, networks, and skills. Many of these opportunities are possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and alumni, who share our commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom. Together, we ensure that talent and ambition – not financial circumstance – shape the future.
Apex Hotels Scholarships: building hospitality careers
Five QMU students in International Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management received £3,000 Apex Hotels Scholarships – plus exclusive networking, insight days and routes to paid roles. This donor-partnered programme eases financial pressure and builds real-world connections that turn ambition into employability.
Viktoriia Hirenko, a QMU student from Ukraine, believes she is about to embark on a transformative experience. She explained: “The Apex scholarship is an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of hospitality and see firsthand how a level of service is created that genuinely touches people and leaves a lasting impression. It is a priceless chance to learn, grow and gain knowledge from professionals who have already achieved real success in this industry.”
Widening access, wider horizons: Greece study experience
Ten widening-access students travelled to Greece for a culturally rich academic experience - broadening horizons and building confidence. For many, it was their first time abroad, highlighting how our widening‑access initiatives can open doors to international learning opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
LPS scholars: Transforming lives through global education
Thanks to the Lisa Persdotter Simonyi Scholarship, five QMU students received £5,000 each to study overseas across Australia, Hong Kong, the USA and Germany – working towards their degree while gaining independence, confidence and a global outlook. Students report sharper academic skills, richer cultural awareness and clearer career direction.
One scholar, a Business Management student who spent the second semester of her second year on exchange at Hong Kong Baptist University, said: “This experience has been incredibly enriching and rewarding. I am endlessly grateful for everyone who supported me and allowed me to fully embrace this opportunity.”
Mentoring matters: Alumni at the heart of QMUEmpower
Mentoring sits at the core of QMUEmpower, with many of our mentors drawn from our alumni community. Their time and insight helps build students’ confidence, polish job applications, open networks and demystify first steps into industry.
Would you like to become a mentor? We’d love to hear from you at
E: alumni@qmu.ac.uk.
Join our community of supporters
Give to scholarships and student opportunity funds
https://www.qmu.ac.uk/alumni-and-friends/make-a-donation/our-funds
Volunteer as a mentor and share your expertise with the next generation. Contact alumni@qmu.ac.uk to get involved.
Made possible by you. Every scholarship awarded, every mentoring hour shared, and every international opportunity taken is powered by QMU’s community of donors, partners and alumni. Thank you for opening doors and changing lives.
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