Oddfellows members receive university funding

Updated: 10 Feb 2025

Congratulations to the recipients of 2024’s First Degree Course Educational Awards: Lillie Buckley, Edward Smith and Torsten Ellis.

Easing the pressure

Each year, a selection of Oddfellows heading to university for the first time are chosen to receive a non-repayable bursary of £900 per year for the duration of their studies.

Jane Nelson, CEO of the Oddfellows, said: “I’m delighted that the Society can play a part in enhancing Lillie, Edward and Torsten’s university experiences.

“Attempting to budget finances alongside studying is as tough as it’s ever been but this funding from our Educational Awards will help to ease those stresses as they embark on this exciting stage in their lives.”

Lillie Buckley, Nottingham Trent Branch member

a headshot of Lillie Buckley

Lillie started studying Veterinary Science at the University of Bristol in September 2024.

She says the funding will allow her to purchase a new laptop for university work, as well as helping to cover travel costs for work placements which she’ll complete as part of her studies.

She said: “When I found out I would be receiving the funding I was extremely happy and honoured to have been chosen. I want to say a huge thank you to the Oddfellows as this will help support me throughout my degree, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“I am loving the course so far. We’ve learnt lots of interesting things including anatomy, physiology and animal handling.

“In the future I would like to be a small animal vet, however I am keeping an open mind as I love cows!”

Lillie added that the funding has also helped her join the University’s church bell ringing society and recently took part and won a competition.

Edward Smith, Erewash Valley Branch member

A headshot of Edward Smith

Chemical Engineering student Edward began his course at the University of Manchester, also in September 2024.

He plans to follow his studies up with a chartership while working as a Process Engineer. A Process Engineer designs, optimises and manages the processes used to transform raw materials into finished products in manufacturing or chemical plants.

“I felt very proud, honoured and relieved to receive extra funding to help with my studies,” he said. “I would encourage all eligible students to have a go at applying for this award.”

Edward says the money will go toward the purchasing of books and other learning materials.

Torsten Ellis, Derby Derwent Valley Branch member

a headshot of Torsten Ellis

Torsten has been reading Theoretical Physics with Mathematics at Lancaster University since October 2024.
He says the funding will allow him to budget better when purchasing learning materials such as textbooks, and taking part in extra-curricular activities.

He added: “It felt great to learn I had been chosen for the funding. I was also somewhat relieved as it means I will have to worry less about with my finances over the course of each year.

“My modules are split between the physics and maths departments which is great because I’ll get a rich understanding of both. I'm looking forward to next year where I can pick modules and advance my understanding of both fields.”

Beyond university, Torsten hopes to go into research, with quantum physics or advanced mathematics both potential topics.

More about our Educational Awards

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

Grand Master (Chairman) of the Society, Barbara Needham, said: “I’m so proud that we are able to give the younger generation a bit of a financial boost, which will help them to take these all-important next steps on their way to making their mark on the world.

“I wish them every success over the next few years 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.

For more information, eligibility and how to apply, visit our website's Educational Awards section.