The recipients of the inaugural Thomas J Moran Memorial Scholarships, established by Tom’s widow Joan Moran with generous contributions from Mutual of America and former CEO Mr John Greed, have displayed remarkable resilience in their educational journeys.  

The Scholarships also honour the legacy of former Chancellor Dr Moran who was a towering figure in business, philanthropy, and the Northern Ireland peace process, as well as President and CEO of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company. 

Speaking about the scholarships, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, Eddie Friel, said:

“This year, four deserving students were selected as the inaugural recipients of this prestigious award, each receiving £10,000 to advance their studies." 

“We are honoured that these scholarships are in the name of our esteemed former Chancellor Tom Moran whose passion for education and the transformative effect it can have on people and communities echoed the commitment of Queen’s. Our appreciation also goes to Tom’s widow Joan and Mutual of America for their impactful contribution. 

“Philanthropy has a ripple effect: it provides us with an opportunity to give back where we can, and it can directly benefit a student to go on to make their own contribution to the world. I would like to wish the four students well as they continue in their educational journey at Queen’s.” 

The inaugural scholars have already begun to experience the life-changing potential of the programme. According to recipient Cliodhna McManus, currently undertaking a Masters in Clinical Health Psychology with the aim of giving back to her community in West Belfast, said: 

“The scholarship has been extremely beneficial to me and has allowed me to take a step back from work to focus on my studies. I really didn't think I would have a chance of getting it but am extremely grateful I have. I have another eight months of my masters to complete, and I hope to go on to study the clinical health doctorate, as I believe this is the best way to give back to my community. 

Queen's has supported me from the pathway programme up until now, and I honestly don't know where I would be had I not received the support I have.”  

Fellow Clinical Health Psychology Masters student Sheila Woods explained the impact of philanthropy on her education, saying: 

"I would often walk past Queen’s University and think to myself that higher education was something for other people, not someone like me. I would daydream about what it would be like to go there but quickly dismissed the idea, thinking it wasn’t for me or that I wasn’t capable of it. 

“Even now, I can’t quite believe how far I’ve come. Not only did I get accepted, but I graduated with a first-class honours degree. It feels like a dream - a reminder of how much can change when you take a leap of faith and believe in yourself. 

“Opportunities like this are rare for someone from my background - it’s not often you see someone from an impoverished upbringing progressing beyond undergraduate studies. The scholarship has not only given me financial stability but also the confidence and support to keep moving forward. All these incredible things have been happening to me since I came to Queen’s, and I am so grateful to the Thomas J. Moran Memorial Scholarship team for helping make this possible." 

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For further information on the Thomas J Moran Memorial Scholarships contact ciara.oneill@qub.ac.uk.