Alumni making a difference
Thank you for your support
Our alumni community is made up of amazing individuals who continuously make a difference in the world. Here are some of the headlines from last year.
In 2025, as we reach our 70th anniversary year as a University, we look backwards and forwards simultaneously; thankful for the foundations and building blocks of our institution upon which we stand firm, and hopeful for continued support to build upon our successes in the future.
As we move forward in challenging times, we are incredibly grateful to have a fantastic tradition of support within a wide network. Our alumni community boasts more than 195,000 members in 183 countries offering us a rich landscape of culture, experience, and expertise. You are all a vitally important part of the history of our wonderful institution.
Every individual who has crossed the threshold of one of our campuses is part of the rich history and exciting future of our University, which boasts exceptional standards both in academia and in our award-winning international research with its real-time global impact.
Our alumni are motivated in a variety of ways to support the University, responding to our commitment to create a greener, healthier and fairer society. Many are inspired to support the climate crisis, aiding our innovative work with novel technologies to create positive change globally; they are inspired by the developments in our medical advances, being part of the driving force for positive outcomes in cancer, diabetes and dementia research which makes real, tangible change to our health landscape; and they are passionate about creating a level playing field in education, supporting our students to experience everything Exeter has to offer without being limited by financial constraints.
There is a strong ethos of learning and personal development at Exeter and, most importantly, our supporters continue to help accelerate Exeter forward. We would be unable to build upon our excellence and reputation without this vital support from our valued networks and communities.
Our motto, Lucem Sequimur means ‘we follow the light’ but in truth we often also ‘create’ that light; this is what makes Exeter a truly special place.
Your generous support enables us to create, harness and forge real change. Whether your gift is your valuable time and talent within our volunteering and mentoring programmes, or gifts of any size supporting areas which resonate with you personally, your philanthropic input and influence in Exeter makes such a difference. We are incredibly grateful for your support.
Brian J Greeves
Engineering Science, 1972. Director Aviation Solutions Pty Ltd.
“I support the Exeter Leaders Community Giving Initiative at the University. I encourage alumni to donate this relatively small sum, which can have a massive collective impact. As someone who was funded through Exeter, I support a fairer focus that enables people to benefit from an amazing experience leading to a first degree or higher.”
Melody Dougan
History, 1958. University Board member, Legacy Pledger, and regular donor.
“Exeter was a very happy and privileged experience for me, as I was the first of my family to go to university, and at a time when education effectively was free. It gave me my career, and friends of now 66 years, but also a commitment to the importance of education and to widening participation.
“Like so many alumni, my affection for Exeter kept me in touch and has given me an awareness and enormous pride in so much of the fabulous, world leading research taking place there. How could I not wish to support the University, to the extent that I am able?”
Gifts in Wills
Legacy gifts are at the heart of nurturing academic excellence, the student experience, world-class research and wellbeing. Gifts in Wills are a way for alumni to live on through Exeter and ensure it always remains the University you love and remember. We are incredibly grateful for every gift we receive.
We’ve spoken with some of our legacy supporters about the inspiration behind their gift, as well as with students whose lives have been impacted by gifts in Wills.
Christine Dodd
History, 1967.
Christine’s gift to the History department will have a lasting impact on future generations of students.
“My time at Exeter was both formative and enriching, giving me a lifelong love of my subject and preparing me for my career in teaching. I have many happy memories of the department where I was part of Professor Barlow’s tutor group, I studied Prehistory under Lady Fox and had the opportunity to visit archaeological sites throughout the South West. I enjoyed singing in the Choral Society, exploring Dartmoor, playing hockey and tennis for Lopes, watching avant-garde films with the cinema society, spending hours in the Roborough Library and acquiring a taste for cider along the way! Leaving a legacy to Exeter is for me paying a personal debt of gratitude and a way of supporting future students.”
Ollie Battye
BMBS, Connie Fozzard Scholar.
Thanks to generous gifts in Wills from our alumni and supporters, we are able to offer scholarships from undergraduate to PhD programmes.
“The Connie Fozzard Scholarship has empowered me to complete my first year of medicine to a standard I’m proud of and provided me with the independence to explore my options at this critical stage in my career development. I am incredibly grateful for this support and excited for what the future holds.”
Michael Devine
LLM Law International Business, 1988.
Thanks to a gift in Michael’s Will students will be able to access LLM Scholarships.
“Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, USA, the best investment I made in my professional career was to earn my LLM degree from Exeter. My LLM enabled me to practice as an attorney in a boutique international law firm in Manhattan, New York City; to obtain barrister pupillages in London and Brussels; and to practice international law as a barrister in London. I have had a worthwhile and fulfilling career, thanks to my LLM degree.”
Sarah
Legacy Supporter.
Sarah’s generous gift in her Will to the Exeter Forever Endowment Fund will continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact indefinitely for future generations.
“I was delighted to take up the offer of a Free Will writing service provided by the University of Exeter. I decided to leave a pledge in my Will as I value the University’s mission to support its staff to thrive, be fulfilled and reach their potential. I am proud to work for an organisation which puts into practice its aims for a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.”
Write your Will today – Farewill Free Will Service
We have partnered with the UK’s best rated Will provider, Farewill to offer a free online and telephone Will writing service to anyone over the age of 18. You can write a standard single or couples Will from the comfort of your home.
For online Wills visit:
If you would prefer to call us to arrange your Will over the phone visit:
As you progress through the Will writing journey, you will be asked if you wish to leave a gift in your Will to the University of Exeter. The UK-wide service is free to use and each Will is checked by specialists to support your wishes, answering any questions you may have.
