Congratulating our latest Educational Awards winners

Published: 18 Dec 2025

We're proud to announce our 2025 First Degree Course Educational Award winners.

Our talented trio

Melanie Healy, a member of Humber Wolds Oddfellows, Will Stevenson, a member of Pride of Woolwich Oddfellows, and Emma Corbin, a member of Worcester Oddfellows, will each receive a non-repayable bursary of £900 per year for the duration of their studies.

Jane Nelson, CEO of the Oddfellows, said: “It fills me with pride each year when we announce the winners of the First Degree Course Educational Awards, and I’m sure that Melanie, Will and Emma will work hard and have a wonderful university experience.

“University is an exciting time, but it can also be quite stressful. I hope this money will go some way to help reduce some of the financial pressures that are a reality of being a student.”

Melanie Healey, Humber Wolds Branch member

Melanie Healy on campus at the University of Cambridge

In October 2025, Melanie began her Asian and Middle Eastern Studies course at the University of Cambridge. The four-year course will begin with learning Arabic language skills from scratch, building up her existing French language skills and looking at French Literature.

She says she is hoping to put the money towards travelling to French and Arabic-speaking countries for internships and exchanges to help sharpen these skills.

Melanie said: “I was delighted when I found out that I’d been chosen to receive the funding.

“I would like to thank the Oddfellows for the grant, and would like them to know that they have helped me to ensure that I can fund overseas activities to improve my language skills, which will ensure that I can get the most out of my course, and ultimately get the best possible grade at the end of my degree.”

Although unsure what her career plans are at this stage, Melanie says she “would definitely like to work in a role that allows me to use my language skills, so probably a role in international business or the civil service".

Will Stevenson, Pride of Woolwich Branch member

Will Stevenson in front of Durham Cathedral

Will started reading Geography at the University of Durham’s Trevelyan College in October 2025, where modules cover topics such as climate change, physical geography, human geography, geographical research and geographies in crisis.

The money, he says, will go towards the social aspects that university life has to offer.

Will said: “The funding will benefit me significantly throughout my undergraduate course as it will contribute towards society subscriptions such as the Durham University Big Band, allowing me to pursue passions, build friendships and make lasting memories in these three years.

“Hearing that I was a recipient of the award was incredibly exciting, knowing university life would be a more comfortable experience, and I am extremely thankful to the Oddfellows for the trust and generosity they offered me.”

Will hasn’t mapped out his career plans at this stage, but says that’s one of the reasons the course appealed to him, given “the breadth of Geography and its wide application”.

Emma Corbin, Worcester Branch member

Emma Corbin on campus at the University of Durham

Unbeknownst to either, Emma and Will have ended up on the same Geography course at the University of Durham.

Emma said: “The funding will allow me to support my education by letting me buy any relevant books. It will also mean that I can go on any essential field trips during my course which allow me to complete fieldwork vital to my degree and contribute to my dissertation.

“I felt extremely grateful and lucky when I was picked as one of the successful candidates from what would have been many amazing applications. I would like to say how thankful I am, and that the award will contribute to my degree. It is a great opportunity to have an award like this available.”

Emma too hasn’t decided which direction she wants her career to take, but thinks her chosen course will provide her with a range of opportunities.

“I chose Geography as it was a subject that not only do I find very interesting, but it’s also an increasingly relevant subject, considering topics such as climate change and geopolitics,” Emma added.

“I will probably either consider a degree in sustainability consultancy or complete a law conversion.”

More about our Educational Awards

Each year, our Fraternal Board chooses who will receive the Educational Awards funding, based on the applications received from members.

Grand Master (Chairman) of the Society, John Mann, said: “We had lots of brilliant applications this year. Picking three winners was difficult, but each of them are deserving.

“I have every confidence Melanie, Will and Emma will go on to build successful careers, whatever they choose to turn their hands to, and hopefully this financial boost from the Oddfellows Educational Awards will help them on their way as they begin this exciting chapter in their lives.”

To learn more about the awards, including the Apprenticeship Educational Award, eligibility and how to apply, visit our Educational Awards section.