July University of Galway unveils new Business and Science scholarship

Hygeia to support students access education through scholarships

University of Galway has announced a new partnership with Hygeia, a leading Irish manufacturer of gardening, agricultural and veterinary products, established in Galway City in 1939 by Dr Donny Coyle and now based in Oranmore.

The partnership will provide Access scholarships and bursaries to students who are experiencing financial barriers to accessing third-level education. The ten-year partnership will be open to students across the University and will support student services to award funding to students experiencing hardship.

The Hygeia Scholarship will include mentorship by Hygeia employees, supporting students through their academic and personal development as well as opportunities for work placements and internships so that students gain valuable skills and insight for their future careers. 

            Welcoming the partnership, President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “This partnership with Hygeia is a manifestation of the concept of Meitheal used in University of Galway’s Strategic Plan Shared Vision, Shaped by Values, which describes the practice of people coming together pooling talent and resources to complete the harvest. Working closely with our industry partners, we are confident of our capacity to inspire and lead a Meitheal to the benefit of our region, our country, and our world. I warmly welcome the investment of Hygeia in a ten-year partnership that will support our Access Scholarship programme, enabling students who are facing financial barriers to access third-level education. They join us in being here for our students, our society and for the public good."

            John Coyle, Chairman of Hygeia, said: “Hygeia and the University of Galway have collaborative heritage, with our facility being based beside the campus for many years. We have worked together in the past and are delighted to officially announce our commitment to this 10-year partnership. We are at the start of a new chapter for the company and it’s exciting to know we have the next generation of knowledge and skill supporting the company’s growth and innovation through this selection of scholarships.”

            John Byrne, CEO of Hygeia, said: “Hygeia is delighted to launch our new scholarship programme. This new initiative will facilitate the continued development of our knowledge capacity and talent capabilities within the organisation and assist the growth of the business sectors of garden care, crop protection and veterinary care.  We would like to thank the University of Galway for the hard work in bringing this programme together that will benefit the students, Hygeia and the University.”

            Imelda Byrne, Head of Access at University of Galway, said: “I would like to thank Hygeia for their generous donation to University of Galway Access students. We are extremely grateful for their support which will help our students enter, progress and successfully graduate from our university.

“Over 20% of new entrants annually to our University now come from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, and the Access Centre aim to increase this admissions figure with each passing year. Evidence indicates that financial support is a key determinant in successful outcomes for our students. Our partnership with Hygeia will make such a great difference to the lives of the recipients; in addition, the time and expertise provided to them through the mentoring and personal development pillars of the bursaries will help change the future of many underprivileged students. We are very grateful for relationships with donors like Hygeia who support the work of the Access Centre in increasing access and widening participation for the most deserving in our community.” 

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