Rock star’s uni scholarship gift
SINGER AND WIFE’S FUND FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS
ROCK music legend Paul Rodgers has teamed up with Teesside University to announce a new scholarship fund to help support the next generation of gifted music makers.
The frontman for rock band Free, who grew up in the Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough, is famous for hits including the iconic All Right Now, his band Bad Company, as well as teaming up with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page in top grossing band The Firm, and for his time performing with Queen.
The 72-year-old and his wife, Cynthia Kereluk, have pledged £10,000 to support two undergraduates on the Middlesbrough-based university’s BSc (Hons) music technology course this autumn.
Through the Paul Rodgers Scholarship, successful applicants will benefit from financial support of £5,000 each, which will be distributed throughout the three-year course. The scholarship aims to help aspiring music professionals to achieve their potential as they work towards a higher education qualification.
Fans will know Paul has forged a hugely successful career in the music industry and was highlighted as one of the top 100 singers of all time in a Rolling Stone magazine feature. He is eager to support others at the beginning of their professional journeys.
“A formal education was not a viable financial option for me,” explained Paul. “I felt that I had no one to believe in me except me. I hope this scholarship supports someone who believes in themselves despite all the odds.”
The Middlesbrough-born musician is also thrilled to give back to Teesside University, having been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree there in 2009.
Paul’s wife Cynthia is a graduate in education from Canada’s Simon Fraser University. For 15 years she was the host and writer of the number one internationally syndicated TV fitness show, “The Everyday Workout” – helping millions to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
She is also a former Miss Canada.
“Having lost both of my parents early, putting myself through university was a financial struggle, so hopefully this scholarship will afford someone an easier educational journey,” she said.
The Paul Rodgers Scholarship sits alongside other opportunities developed by famous faces for the next academic year, including the Franc Roddam Scholarship in film and television, backed by the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet creator, and the Beth Mead Scholarship for elite athletes.
Laura Sillars, dean of Teesside University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “Teesside University works tirelessly to develop new opportunities for students, and our scholarships play a vital role in boosting access and participation within higher education.
“The generosity of benefactors like Paul and Cynthia is hugely important in opening new doors for our talented undergraduates, and their support is much appreciated.
“We are proud to introduce the Paul Rodgers Scholarship as part of our fantastic catalogue of offerings, and we look forward to awarding it to two successful applicants later this year.”