Scholarship to help architecture student plan for future
Published On Mon 25 Feb 2019 by Jonathan Watson
A University of Dundee Architecture student is building for her future after being awarded a scholarship from one of Scotland’s leading design practices.
First-year undergraduate Magdalena Bogalecka will be supported throughout her studies by a substantial donation after being selected as the recipient of the Stephen Family Architectural Scholarship Fund.
The 18-year-old, from Kirkcaldy, could also receive the opportunity to train with Angus-based James F Stephen Architects after receiving news of her successful application.
Magdalena said, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard my application had been successful. The funding will be a great help and means I will be able to concentrate on my studies. Architecture can be an expensive subject to study, so it will also make a huge difference when it comes to purchasing materials.
“I’ve known for a few years that architecture was something I wanted pursue. I always enjoyed art and mathematics at school, so this was a natural way for me to combine the two at university. I’m really enjoying studying at Dundee. There’s a lot of work to do but it’s definitely worth it.”
Awarded by Fred and Rosemary Stephen of the Glamis-based practice, James F Stephen Architects, the couple are both University alumni who have watched their two sons, Paul and David, also graduate from Dundee. In addition, Mr Stephen is an honorary professor having assisted with the tuition of students, and setting up a summer school experience in Salamanca, Spain.
Established by Mr Stephen in 1977, the practice is acknowledged as one of Scotland’s foremost architectural design firms, winning numerous awards nationally and internationally with a keen eye on championing current BIM technology, and when possible, offering ‘year out’ work experience to architectural students.
“I submitted a personal statement which highlighted how the scholarship would help me with my studies,” continued Magdalena, who will receive the funding throughout the duration of her five year course.
“I also mentioned my ambitions for my career in architecture, including spending some time studying abroad, and I’ve been told that really helped my application to stand out to the Stephen family. I would really like to go to Australia to develop my skills, and being awarded this scholarship will go a long way to making that dream a reality.
“Since I heard about my successful application I have had the pleasure of meeting Fred and Rosemary, and I must admit that I was nervous beforehand. But it was lovely to meet them at last and I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and support.”
Congratulating Magdalena on her successful application, Mr Stephen said, “The University of Dundee has shaped the lives of my family and firm and this seemed like a fantastic means of celebrating those links.
“Magdalena’s application embodied all of the attributes that have helped our company to develop over the past four decades and we are excited to be able to help her fulfil her own potential at Dundee.”
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