 O’Neill praises food student bursaries  |
O’Neill praises food student bursaries
06 April 2012 Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed industry support for Loughry food students at the recent bursary awards event at Loughry Campus. Ten food students from Loughry’s higher education degree courses secured industry bursaries valued between £1,000 to £4,500. Speaking at the event the Minister praised the companies and organisations who demonstrated their support for the students through awarding the generous bursaries, saying: “These companies have shown their commitment to investing in the future development of the food industry by supporting students through their education programmes with financial assistance and offering work placement opportunities.” Reflecting on the importance of the ongoing links between the campus and industry, the Minister added: “Industry attendance at today’s event and their ongoing support demonstrates the commitment to recruiting highly skilled and qualified staff for this dynamic sector and in the current economic climate it is very reassuring to know that students can continue their studies with the confidence that they have excellent opportunities to progress and secure jobs in the food industry.” The businesses and organisations awarding the Loughry bursaries included Bank of Ireland, Dunbia, Fane Valley-Linden Foods, Glanbia Cheese Co., Irish Farmers Journal, the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, the Northern Bank and the O’Kane Poultry-Moy Park Group.
Congratulations to Anna Mae Graham who recently received a Bursary Award from Glanbia. Anna-Mae comes from Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh and is a past pupil of Collegiate Grammar School. Anna-Mae is in the first year of the BSc (Hons) Food Design and Nutrition programme. Her interest in food comes from a background in both beef and dairy farming and she has a keen interest in agri-rural affairs. She is actively involved working on the farm and to relax she enjoys playing the piano.
Congratulations to Natasha Rooney who recently received a Bursary Award from NIFDA. Natasha is from Cookstown and is a past pupil of Holy Trinity College. Natasha is currently in her second year of the BSc (Hons) Food Design and Nutrition programme and has a keen interest in nutrition, which attracted her to this course. Prior to starting her studies at Loughry, Natasha completed four years travelling throughout Asia, Australia, America and Canada.
Congratulations to Amy Black who recently received a Bursary Award from Dunbia. Amy comes from Cookstown, is a past pupil of Cookstown High School and is currently in first year of the BSc (Hons) Food Management and Marketing programme. Amy has developed an interest in food over many years. She enjoys baking at home and has a part-time job in a food retail environment. At the weekend, Amy is involved in scouting as a youth leader and teaching piano lessons, both of which she enjoys greatly.
Congratulations to Gareth McAlister who recently received a Bursary Award from Fane Valley. Gareth is from Bushmills, Co. Antrim and is a past pupil of Dalriada Grammar School. In 2011, he successfully completed a National Diploma in Food Technology at Loughry and is now in his first year of the BSc (Hons) Food Technology programme. Gareth has an interest in the red meat industry, which comes from his beef farming background. To relax Gareth plays football and table-tennis and enjoys socialising with friends at the weekend.
Congratulations to Sarah Hobson who recently received a Bursary Award from the Irish Farmers Journal. Sarah is from Portadown and is a second year student in the BSc (Hons) Food Technology programme. She is a past pupil of the Royal School in Armagh. Sarah’s interest in food comes from early childhood memories of being taught to bake and cook at home – an interest that has stayed with her. Sarah’s career choice was also influenced by her siblings – Anna and Stewart who are both current students on Loughry’s Food degree programmes. In her spare time, Sarah likes to bake, play the violin and enjoys singing.
Congratulations to Nicola McClean and Gareth Bristow who recently received Bursary Awards from Moy Park, Ballymena. Nicola lives outside Dungannon and is a former student of Drumglass High School. After successfully completing a National Diploma programme at Loughry in 2011 Nicola progressed into first year of the BSc (Hons) Food, Design and Nutrition programme. As well as coming from a rural farming background, she has been greatly influenced by part-time work in a food factory as well as her National Diploma studies. Nicola is a leader for Pomeroy scouts and enjoys both music and singing. Gareth comes from Portglenone, Co Antrim and is a first year student on the BSc (Hons) Food Management and Marketing programme. He is a former pupil of Cambridge House, Ballymena and is the second of his family to undertake an Honours degree programme at Loughry with his sister Jill having graduated in 2010. His interest in food has come from his farming background and away from studying and farming, he spends his time going to the gym, playing rugby or running the odd marathon for charity.
Congratulations to Donna Warrington and Gemma Donaldson who recently received Bursary Awards from the Northern Bank. Donna is from Filemiletown, Co. Fermanagh and is a former pupil of Fivemiletown College. She is a final year student on the BSc (Hons) Food Management and Marketing programme. Donna selected this course due to her interest in the agri-food industry having been brought up on a farm and having engaged in a range of different jobs within the industry. Outside of studying, Donna makes time for swimming, zumba and the odd meal out at the weekend. Gemma comes from Glennanne, Co. Armagh and is a past student of Newry and Kilkeel Institute of Further and Higher Education. Gemma is currently in her final year in the BSc (Hons) Food Technology programme. Her interest in food come from her love of cooking and home-economics and is looking forward to entering into the world of work later this year. Gemma is a former member of the Harlequins Ladies Rugby team in Belfast, which she hopes to return to after her studies. She has also signed up for the Edinburgh marathon in June.
Congratulations to Charlotte Gibson who recently received a Bursary Award from the Bank of Ireland. Charlotte, from Beragh, Co. Tyrone, is a past pupil of Omagh Academy and is currently in first year of the BSc (Hons) Food Management and Marketing Programme. Charlotte’s interest in food comes from her farming background being brought up on a beef and sheep farm. She is an active member of the Seskinore Young Farmers’ Club and has many interests including public speaking, tag rugby, cookery and photography.
Front Row, Left to right: Gemma Donaldson (Northern Bank Bursary), Gareth Bristow (Moy Park Ballymena Bursary), Michelle O’Neill (DARD Minister), Gareth McAlister (Fane Valley Bursary), Nicola McClean (Moy Park Ballymena Bursary) |
