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Lending a helping hand to the next generation

Alumnus and former Stelios scholar Manuel Stotz (BSc Economics 2008) has renewed his philanthropic commitment in support of the Pass the Torch Scholarship programme. Following his latest generous contribution, he has become one of the youngest members of our Benefactors Board, which recognises individuals and organisations whose transformational gifts have shaped the LSE community and our impact on the wider society.

Manuel Stotz founded the Pass the Torch Scholarship programme in 2016 with fellow alumnus Ian Osborne (MSc Media and Communications Course 2005-07), and with the intention of encouraging other alumni to also contribute. The name was chosen to recognise the responsibility the two felt that their generation has to pass on the advantage of their LSE education to the next. Since then, alumni Veronika Kapustina (BSc Economics 2009), co-founder of Houghton Street Ventures, and Luca Faloni (MSc Management 2007, MSc Global Politics 2010), founder of the eponymous luxury Italian menswear brand, have joined in to support the initiative.

To date, the programme has supported 19 UK and European students, and will continue to help many more to realise their dreams of studying at LSE. It also hopes to inspire alumni to pay it forward and promote a virtuous cycle of peer giving.

I was awarded the Stelios Scholarship to attend LSE. This opportunity transformed my life completely in the most positive way. I credit much of my professional success to my time at the School and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to pass on the advantage of an LSE education to the next generation, so they can also lead successful careers and make an impact on society.

Manuel Stotz (BSc Economics 2008)

Manuel’s story is proof of the transformative power of scholarships, and we are incredibly grateful to him for continuing to support the brightest minds and future leaders who will shape the world for good. As a fellow graduate, I know first-hand the positive impact that attending the School can have on the life of our students, and encourage alumni to join Manuel in passing that forward.

Baroness Minouche Shafik, LSE President and Vice Chancellor

If you are interested in supporting the Pass the Torch Scholarship programme, please contact Harry Hughes, Philanthropy Manager.