Making Waves Campaign: Donor Stories – The Booth Family
We want the University of St Andrews to be accessible to any talented undergraduate or postgraduate student, regardless of their financial circumstances. Scholarships create ripples of impact that empower students to reach their potential and bring about positive change, whether they are supporting undergraduates taking their first steps in higher education, or postgraduates and PhD students pursuing world- and life-changing research in their fields.
To address the challenges students face – including declining public investment, barriers to international recruitment in the postgraduate sector, and the cost-of-living crisis – we have identified scholarships as a key priority within the Making Waves Campaign.
We are therefore delighted to announce the establishment of the Booth Family Scholarship, thanks to a generous donation from alumnus Marcus Booth (MA 2000) and his wife Emma.
Credit: Charlotte Davies Photography
Marcus studied medieval history at St Andrews, matriculating in 1996. A resident of St Salvator’s Hall, he served as President of the Students’ Association and was involved in the Kate Kennedy Club and the Union Debating Society.
Since graduating in 2000, Marcus has remained engaged with the University through General Council, as a past member of the Business Committee, bringing his expertise as a partner in global mergers and acquisitions with White & Case LLP to the table.
Now living with his family in the Middle East, Marcus was inspired by a friend and fellow donor to give back to the University of St Andrews.
The Booth Family Scholarship has been endowed in perpetuity and supports undergraduate students studying history and/or divinity.
Marcus said: “St Andrews – in so many ways – made me who I am today. It has contributed so much to my life and given me so much opportunity.
“In my day it was different – there was more public funding. I was very fortunate to be able to go to university. My parents supported both my brother, Graham, and I to study at St Andrews, which was not always easy for them.
“I wanted to be able to support someone who otherwise might not have had the wonderful opportunities that St Andrews has given to me.
“I am delighted to be able to establish the Booth Family Scholarship as our way to give back. People give according to their means, whether that’s time or money. I really enjoy being affiliated to the University in this way and I know that friends of mine have done the same. I would encourage others to get involved. It really is very rewarding.”
Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships at St Andrews here.