When leaving a gift in your Will, not only does it help talented students achieve their dream of studying at university, it can also create new links between your family and the university that made such an impact on your life.

This was certainly the case for Dr Sue Jones, whose uncle, Professor Richard (Dick) Horsley Osborne (1925-2018), left a gift in his Will to encourage visiting fellowships from Eastern Europe. The first Osborne Fellowship was awarded in 2022.

Trent Building and lake.

“The university was his life and it’s so nice to see him being remembered in this way."

“I was probably the closest to my uncle. He would often come to stay with us and show us slides of his trips around Eastern Europe,” explained Sue. “In the past my links to his interests were always a bit tenuous but this legacy has given me a very special connection to him and the university that I didn’t have before.”

Sue is pleased her uncle’s legacy will continue to make a positive influence on the university and wants to meet the recipients to strengthen her family’s links to Professor Osborne and Nottingham.

“The university was his life and it’s so nice to see him being remembered in this way. A whole new generation of students will continue to benefit from his passion.”

Professor Richard Osborne

Noémi Ujházy

Noémi Ujházy is the first recipient of the Richard Osborne fellowship. Here she explains what the fellowship means to her.

I previously missed a chance to study at Nottingham and when this opportunity came up I didn’t want to miss out again.

Nottingham has a tradition of cooperation with universities around Europe and this fellowship helps continue that legacy.

Since Brexit, it seems like our regions are getting further away in terms of co-operation and collaboration. Thanks to Professor Osborne the connection can continue to flourish.

I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to come here without this grant and although I’m only at the start, I can already see it will make a big difference.

Noemi recipient of the Richard Osborne fellowship.

Did you know you can write your will for free?

The University of Nottingham is delighted to be able to offer you a free will writing service, with our partner Octopus Legacy. You can make your will online today, over the phone or in person for free.

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