Giving has always been at the heart of the University of Reading. As we celebrate our centenary year, Connected reflects on more than a century of generosity from alumni, staff and supporters who have helped shape the University we know today.
From the earliest gifts that equipped the first classrooms, to today’s global fundraising initiatives – philanthropy has played a vital role at the University in creating opportunities for students, supporting research, and strengthening our connection with the local community.
The early years
Our donor records begin in 1892 when Christ Church College Oxford established the University Extension College Reading in Reading’s town centre.
The college began with very little – no land, buildings or equipment of its own, with classes arranged to accommodate the needs of the working people of Reading. Evening lectures took place in the Town Hall and classes were held on Saturdays from a small number of rooms in nearby Valpy Street.
[The photo to the right shows the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the Great Hall at London Road on June 5 1905].From the outset, local generosity helped turn ambition into reality. A fundraising campaign known as the Special Fund aimed to raise £2,000 – equivalent of more than £200,000 today – to help establish the College and expand educational opportunities in the town.
The first major gift came from George Palmer, owner of the famous Huntley and Palmer biscuit factory, which provided the essential equipment needed for the first classrooms. Other gifts soon followed, including books to establish a library and donations of prize funds to award exceptional students for their academic achievements.
Philanthropy also quickly began supporting students directly. In 1900, Edith Mary Sutton – whose family owned Sutton and Sons, the world largest seed firm at the time – established the College’s first donor-funded scholarship which supported talented music students.
Since then, numerous students have received much-needed financial support to enable them to benefit from a world-class education .
Creating a campus
By the turn of the century the College had outgrown its space and in 1902 The New Building Fund was launched to raise £80,000 for a permanent new home.
The land at London Road was gifted to us by Alfred Palmer, second son of George Palmer and head of the engineering department at Huntley & Palmers. Accommodation was another key step in the University’s development. When Wantage Hall opened on Upper Redlands Road in 1908, it became the first hall of residence and the first for any University Extension College in the country.
The land and the building for Wantage Hall were gifted by noted art collector and benefactor, Lady Harriet Sarah Loyd-Lindsay Wantage, together with a fund for its long-term maintenance and a generous scholarship for gifted students in residence.
[The photo to the left shows the interior of Wantage Hall dining room with tables set up for dining, with the portraits of Lord and Lady Wantage hanging on the wall].
Her gift was made in memory of her late husband who had been enthusiastically involved with the college in the early years.
Further accommodation soon followed thanks to the generous gifts of donors, including St Andrews Halls for women in 1911 and Wessex Hall in 1913.
A major milestone came in 1911 when Lady Wantage, George William Palmer and Alfred Palmer made a transformational combined gift of £200,000 to establish the University Endowment Fund. This fund helped support the running costs of the institution and provided much-needed financial stability, particularly during the challenges of the First World War.
Community generosity again proved crucial in securing Reading’s future. In 1922, the College Principal, W.M. Childs, launched the Reading Citizens’ Endowment Fund, encouraging local businesses and residents to contribute to the institution’s long-term development.
The success of this campaign helped secure the University’s Royal Charter in 1926 – marking the moment Reading became an independent university and something we are proud to celebrate today.
A tradition that continues
More than a century later, philanthropy remains central to the University’s mission.
Donations from alumni and supporters continue to fund scholarships, support research, enhance student wellbeing, and strengthen connections with the local community.
One of the most exciting modern examples of this collective generosity is Giving Day – a special 36-hour online fundraising event. In April 2025 the University held its first-ever Giving Day which brought together the Reading’s global community to support students, programmes and community initiatives. Together 173 donors from 21 countries raised £36,747, supporting four key areas – scholarships, the Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub, the Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship, and flexible support where the need is greatest.
Thanks to the remarkable generosity of donors, the funds raised are already making a real difference. In September 2025, two new Climate Stripes Scholars, Wenshou and Xinyue, joined the University from China. For both students, the support has been transformative.
“The financial support makes a huge difference,” they said. “It’s incredible that people from all over the world have contributed and that we are both here because of that kindness.”
Giving Day donations have also supported the Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub, helping expand programmes for autistic children and their families. These donations have also helped develop Family Wellbeing courses for parents, which provide a safe space to explore what a child’s diagnosis means for both the child and their family.
Giving Day donations are also helping future entrepreneurs take their first steps into business. In June 2026, these funds are enabling the Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship to host a free Henley Summer Start-up Boot Camp, giving participants from the University and local community the opportunity to explore how to turn ideas into successful ventures.
Flexible gifts made during Giving Day have strengthened student support programmes with funds enabling six students to take part in internship opportunities with local charities and small businesses. Meanwhile, eight student athletes received Sporting Excellence Scholarships, helping them balance elite-level competition with their academic studies.
A small token of gratitude
For many of our alumni community, Giving Day is about giving back to a place that shaped their lives.
University of Reading graduate, Hava, shared: “My time at Reading University had a big impact on my career and shaped who I am today. I give to say thank you and to help open doors for the next generation, just like others once did for me.”
For University of Reading Fundraising Manager, Janice Galvin, it was the awareness and remarkable collective generosity that was a touching moment. She shared: “Last year’s Giving Day was tremendously impactful. Our Giving Days video reached over 1.2 million people which really helped raise awareness of our charitable status.
“Whether it’s a first-time donation or a long-standing supporter making a gift, it has been incredible to see the generosity shown during Giving Day already making a meaningful and lasting impact.
Every donation is helping to create new opportunities, enhance vital services, and support both students and the wider community.”
Giving Day 2026
Giving Day returns this year on Wednesday 29 April – Thursday 30 April.
“As we celebrate 100 years since receiving our Royal Charter, that tradition of generosity continues to grow – and Giving Day remains a powerful reminder of what our global community can achieve together, “ Janice shared.
