Celebrating 10 years of life-changing Morson scholarships at Salford
We’re proud to mark a decade of partnership with the University of Salford as we celebrate ten incredible years of the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarships. Since launch, these scholarships have helped shape the futures of talented young engineers. This is a legacy that honours Morson founder’s passion for creating opportunity.
Launched by the Mason family in 2015 and further supported by Morson Group, the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship programme honours our founder’s legacy. It has so far enabled more than 65 students to study STEM disciplines at Salford, supporting them with funding, career opportunities and skills development programmes, and setting them on a path to rewarding careers.
The scholarship programme forms part of the Morson STEM Foundation – our brand commitment to widening participation in STEM and driving social mobility by creating clear pathways into education and training. The Foundation’s work also includes Morson Group’s sponsorship of the Maker Space at the University, along with support for IntoUniversity, the Go Beyond mentoring programme, Salford Racing, the Morson STEM Ambassador programme, and the IGNITE summer schools offered by the University each year.
Over the years, Gerry Mason scholars have studied STEM disciplines as varied as Aeronautical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering, and most have gone on to varied successful careers in a diverse range of roles and industries.
Among them is Philip Beswick, who graduated with a degree in Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies made possible by a Morson Scholarship. He said:
“The scholarship has had a huge impact on my time at University. It gave me more freedom to take part in opportunities that I believe enriched my time as a student. I was able to work to gain experience, not primarily for a paycheque.
“The work I did do, largely with the Widening Participation Team at the University, was both meaningful and led me to consider different career paths. Additionally, I was also able to engage with lots of volunteering in and outside of University, especially as a school rep for two years. I didn’t have to worry about money, I could participate in things that interested me, whether that is work, volunteering or the occasional flying lesson.”
Another student, Donald Adeshina, who graduated with First Class Honours in Aeronautical Engineering, credited the Morson Scholarship for making it possible. He said:
“On my first day, I was struggling with my tuition fees, so when I saw the opportunity to apply for the Gerry Mason Scholarship and present my ideas, I was really glad to receive it. It allowed me to put the scholarship funds towards my tuition, which eased the pressure during my first year, as well as my second and third years. I’ve visited the Morson office multiple times and had opportunities to connect with employees and learn more about the industry and the amazing work they’re doing for the future.”
The 10-year anniversary was marked at a special event as part of the University of Salford’s summer graduation ceremonies at the Lowry Theatre.
University of Salford’s Vice-Chancellor Nic Beech praised this partnership, saying:
“The Mason family and Morson Group have been exceptional partners and supporters of the University of Salford for a decade. Ged is from Salford and is so clearly very passionate about our city, and is a tireless champion for the people and students of Salford.
“Our partnership with Morson Group and our relationship with the Mason family is really quite extraordinary. It embodies everything that is so special about Salford – passion, determination, generosity and a clear commitment to championing local talent.”
Ged Mason OBE, CEO of the Morson Group and son of Gerry Mason, reflected on the legacy:
“Over the past 10 years, the Gerry Mason scholarships have been a fitting legacy for my Dad, who was a talented engineer, a proud Salfordian, and a passionate advocate of social mobility and creating opportunity through training and education.
“It has been wonderful to see so many talented individuals realise their full potential supported by the Gerry Mason Scholarships over the past decade, and I am delighted to announce today that we are committing to a further 10 years of funding the programme.
“The Morson STEM Foundation is an important part of our culture and mission at Morson Group. We’re investing in education and aspiration to change lives and nurture sustainable talent pipelines for STEM sectors, delivering social and economic benefits. I’d like to congratulate all the students who graduated this week, in particular the Gerry Mason scholars, and to thank the University of Salford for being such a collaborative partner for the Morson STEM Foundation.”
The celebration also looked ahead to the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the Morson Maker Space – a state-of-the-art facility for students to explore new ideas, innovate, and gain hands-on experience. Located in the University of Salford’s Science Engineering & Environment (SEE) Building, the facility enables students from all disciplines to develop practical skills in digital fabrication, from 3D printing, CAD design to laser cutting.
Dr. Maria Stukoff, Maker Space Director, added:
“The Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship is truly a game-changer in how the industry creates opportunities for aspiring engineers to pursue university education and realise their dreams. Beyond financial support, it fosters a lasting connection to Gerry Mason’s legacy and helps build a vital engineering talent pipeline to Morson Group - ensuring that STEM education remains accessible and open to all.”
