The parents of Sussex PhD candidate Andrew Francis Pickup, who tragically passed away while undertaking doctoral fieldwork in South Africa, have paid tribute to their son’s memory by setting up and endowing in perpetuity the Andrew Francis Pickup Global Citizens Award in the School of Global Studies.

Andrew Pickup was an extremely popular member of the Global Studies community and was a highly regarded doctoral researcher in the School. In a touching tribute to their son, Andrew’s parents have generously endowed the award in his name, ensuring that Andrew’s memory will live on and have a lasting and transformative impact on the School and on future generations of its students. The annual award will fund several bursaries of up to £500 for Global Studies postgraduate taught students who are undertaking a Dissertation with Placement.

Andrew’s parents, Victoria Goebel and Peter Pickup, said:

“It is with great pride that on behalf of our respective families the establishment of the Andrew Francis Pickup Global Citizens Award is being realized. This award shall, in perpetuity, memorialize our son’s appreciation and gratitude for being accepted by the University as a PhD candidate in the distinguished School of Global Studies. Andrew was enthusiastically dedicated to successfully completing his field research and dissertation and was looking forward to pursuing his future career.

“The Andrew Francis Pickup Global Citizens Award aims to enable more students to embrace the opportunities available through their studies and to contribute to their becoming truly global, resilient and adaptable citizens. The Award will help to ensure that Global Studies students are not prevented from fully partaking in these opportunities due to their personal financial circumstances.”

Professor of Anthropology and International Development, Elizabeth ‘Buzz’ Harrison, Head of School (School of Global Studies) said:

“Andrew is remembered with great fondness for his passion for social justice and this passion will live on thanks to the generous gift by his parents to the University.

“Their endowment in Andrew’s name will enable Global Studies students to fulfil their potential as Global Citizens by helping them to overcome financial barriers to activities such as voluntary placements and work experience opportunities.”

In memoriam awards at Sussex help students across a wide range of subject areas. If you are interested in finding out more, the Development and Alumni Relations team will be happy to help. Contact us at alumni@sussex.ac.uk or on +44 (0)1273 678258.