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Virginia and Andrew Rudd

Some acts of philanthropy address today's challenges. Others create opportunities that will endure for generations.

From a family long associated with the University of Sussex, the Rudd Family Foundation's gift to the University's endowment is a powerful example of philanthropy with a long-term vision. The investment will provide enduring benefit in perpetuity, generating annual income to support Sussex's strategic priorities for decades, even centuries, to come.

Initially, the fund will advance the transformational theme of human flourishing in the University's Sussex 2035 strategy, reflecting the Rudd family's longstanding belief in the power of education and research to improve lives and expand opportunity.

Opening doors through the Virginia and Andrew Rudd Scholarships

A key part of this lasting legacy will be the creation of the Virginia and Andrew Rudd Scholarships.

Named in honour of Virginia Rudd and her late husband Andrew, who graduated from Sussex having studied Mathematics in 1971, the scholarships will support talented students who have experience of the care system to access the opportunities, support and life-changing experiences that a Sussex education can provide.

The scholarships build on the Rudd family's longstanding commitment to widening participation and reflect a powerful belief that talent and potential should never be limited by background and circumstance.

A partnership built on shared purpose

The Rudd Family Foundation has been among the University's most significant philanthropic supporters, providing landmark support over many years for pioneering research and student scholarships.

The Foundation’s partnership with the University reflects a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, widening opportunity and creating positive social impact.

In recognition of this exceptional generosity and the family's enduring commitment to the University and its mission, the current Chichester Lecture Theatre will be renamed the Rudd Lecture Theatre.

Endowment gifts are among the most transformative forms of philanthropy, creating a permanent source of support that can benefit future generations of students and researchers. Through its visionary commitment, the Rudd Family Foundation is helping to ensure that opportunities created today will continue long into the future.

Speaking on behalf of the Rudd family, Virginia said: "Our family is very grateful for the recognition of our gift by the University of Sussex in renaming of the Chichester Lecture Theatre the Rudd Lecture Theatre. It is a great privilege to be able to give back to the University, and through this gift, help to provide future students the opportunity to realize their potential.

“The University of Sussex was where my husband, Andrew Rudd, began his career in both academia and the business world. It is also the place where we met and therefore holds a special place in our family's history. The education Andrew received at Sussex was the launching pad that enabled us to lead a fulfilling life and ultimately to be able to give back to the things our family believes to be important.

“I hope others who have benefited from their time at Sussex might also feel moved to give whatever they can so that future generations of students also have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sasha Roseneil, commenting on the gift said:
"Every great university is shaped not only by its academics and students, but also by the generosity of those who believe in its future. The Rudd Family Foundation's gift is a powerful example of philanthropy at its very best: visionary, purposeful, and enduring.

“At Sussex, we are profoundly grateful for the leadership, partnership and commitment shown by the Rudd family over many years. Their generosity will continue to enrich lives, expand opportunity and advance human flourishing for generations to come."