Meet our latest Educational Awards winners

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Congratulations to the recipients of 2023’s First Degree Course Educational Awards: George, Benedict, Jamie and Charlotte.

A funding boost

Every year, a selection of Oddfellows members who are due to embark on a university course for the first time are chosen by merit to receive a non-refundable bursary of £900 per year for the duration of their studies. 

Jane Nelson, CEO of the Oddfellows, said: “I’m extremely proud that our Educational Awards continue to enhance the university experience for some of our members, especially in the current climate when day-to-day costs can be a struggle to deal with.

“This funding should stand each of our winners in good stead as they begin an important and exciting phase in their lives.”

George LeBon, Heart of Norfolk Branch member

George LeBon

George began his studies at the University of Southampton in September 2023 – a four year course in Computer Science with Cybersecurity.

He says he and his family were “overjoyed” to discover he’d be receiving the funding and has thanked the Society.

“The funding will really help me out a lot,” he said. “It will go towards buying textbooks so that I can enhance my knowledge further, and better understand the industry that I want to work in.

“My dream job would be something called a white-hat hacker, which involves being hired by companies to try and hack into their databases and report back the vulnerabilities I use to get in. This feedback allows the company to tighten their digital security, so there is less of a chance of an actual hacker getting into their database.”

Benedict Weis, Leodis Branch member

Benedict Weis

Unlike George, Benedict hasn’t yet decided what his ideal future job role might be, but is studying Aerospace Engineering at Queens University Belfast. He says the subject interests him and hopes a career path might become clearer during his four years on the course.

Since starting in September 2023, Benedict has joined the University’s rowing club and the money will help him to pay for training camps and trips, which he says will allow him to study more effectively without worrying as much about money.

He added: “I was very happy when I heard I had received the funding as it will support me through the years. I would like to thank the Oddfellows for the award and just say how grateful I am for it.”

Jamie Messett, Loyal Lord Byron Branch member

Jamie Messett

Jamie started his first of four years of Chemistry at the University of Oxford’s Balliol College in October 2023, and will put the money towards learning materials such as molecular modelling kits and membership to the app, ChemOffice, which he says is usually difficult for students to afford.

Jamie, who says his father also received Educational Award funding from the Oddfellows, would like his future to be in the pharmaceutical industry, but a PhD and a career in research is also a potential avenue.

He said: “When I heard that I had been chosen for the award I was incredibly happy and immensely grateful as this funding will prove very useful for my studies and allow me to obtain the best degree I possibly can.

“Nobody should underestimate how valuable the funding can be towards determining how well a student performs. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping me with this award, and also everyone involved with providing the funding.”

Charlotte Stevenson, Pride of Woolwich Branch member

Charlotte Stevenson

Charlotte started her four-year course in Physics and Philosophy at the University of Oxford's Brasenose College in October 2023, where she said she’ll “focus on the intersection between the scientific analysis of how the world works and the philosophical analysis of why it works the way it does”.

She added: “I'm hoping to do a PhD in Astrophysics and then continue researching within the field, using computer programmes or telescopes to gather and analyse data about the universe.”

The funding will help her to take part in unpaid research programmes during University holidays, covering the cost of travel, accommodation and food, as well as contributing the cost of textbooks and other resources.

It’ll also allow her to take part in extracurricular hobbies she enjoys, such as climbing.

She added: “This award will be an immense help throughout my degree and I'm so, so grateful to have received it.

“I'd like to say a huge thank you to the Oddfellows – it's been truly amazing to be part of such a supportive community over the last few years.”

More about our Educational Awards

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

Chairman of the Society (Grand Master), Barbara Needham, said: “Ordinarily, we hand out three First Degree Course Educational Awards each year, but such was the strength of the applications of this year’s winners that we felt they all deserved the financial boost.

“I’m delighted for all four of them, and I wish them every success over the next few years at university and beyond.”

To apply for a First Degree Course Educational Award, members are invited to apply via their Branch around April. The Branch’s deadline for submitting applications for consideration is 31 August each year. Judging will then take place within the following two months.

The Society also offers the Apprenticeship Educational Award, which consists of £250 per year for the duration of a member’s apprenticeship course. Members are invited to apply via their Branch around September and the Branch’s deadline for submitting applications for consideration is 31 December each year. Judging will then take place within the following two months.

Applicants for both awards must have been members for five or more years. Young Oddfellows membership is taken into account.

Visit the Educational Awards section of our website to find out more, including member eligibility and terms and conditions.