When Nan Powell Hodges, an American from Seattle, Washington, USA, decided to establish the Lydon Hodges Fund, she committed to being the founding donor for annual bursaries to scholars starting out on their postgraduate research journey. 

Setting up a bursary in my husband's name has enabled me to acknowledge publicly the transformative impact that a university education in Wales had on his life. If - in his memory, and as part of Professor Lydon's legacy - I can help support future University of South Wales research students, this would be a very fitting return for me. Mrs Nan Powell Hodges

Open to prospective postgraduate research students who have already completed either a USW undergraduate or USW taught postgraduate course from any discipline, Lydon Hodges Bursaries will be awarded annually to individuals who can best demonstrate why they feel entry to a postgraduate research course will be beneficial to them – personally or professionally, and how they will be approaching their studies. 

This new Bursary is to provide financial relief upon entry to studies for new students, and successful Bursary applicants will demonstrate how postgraduate research studies are a personal or professional enabler. 

Head of Alumni Relations and Development, Rachael Barker comments: "The generosity shown to our prospective postgraduate research community is transformational. With point of entry very often a difficult and financially stretching time, our new Lydon Hodges Bursaries will provide welcome relief to those wishing to set out on their research journey."

Mrs Hodges visited the University's Treforest campus as part of graduation week in summer 2017: "I was so moved and impressed by the accomplishments of the students at a graduation ceremony I attended at the University of South Wales in July 2017, I wanted to make a contribution. Knowing how hard it is to secure funds for postgraduate study and research, I decided in consultation with USW to start an annual postgraduate bursary fund and to urge other friends to contribute." 

The founding gift generously given by Nan Powell Hodges is in tribute to her late husband - eminent academic and healthcare professional Dr Robert Manley Hodges  - and also in honour of his niece, Professor Julie Hodges Lydon, OBE, the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales. Read more about this lasting tribute and how you might support this University priority.

Considering a postgraduate research future and interested to find out more? View an overview of the Bursary including criteria and key dates for application.