The next chapter for the Uggla Family Scholars 2025
Congratulations to the Uggla Family Scholars Graduating Class of 2025. From Economics to Environment, Law and Politics nine extraordinary students have graduated from LSE and the Uggla Family Scholars Programme, ready for the next chapter of their lives.
Harris Mahmood, Jason Clark, Leandro Gough, Khadija Khanom, Khushi Vajpeyi, Lorenzo Sepulveda, Sian Oti, Skander Lejmi and Swann Guignard are not only graduates they have also greatly contributed to the unique community of Uggla Family Scholars throughout their time at LSE.
Sian spoke for all her fellow scholars when she paid tribute to Lance Uggla’s vision and generosity in creating this unique programme at a special graduation event in LSE’s Old Theatre.
Being part of this programme and having the opportunity to study at LSE has truly been life-changing - not just because of the financial support, but because of the unwavering pastoral care and encouragement we’ve received along the way.
Our mission at LSE is to educate our students to know the causes of things for the betterment of society and to prepare them for the leadership roles they will play in our increasingly complex society. To do that LSE is committed to educating students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences who are already leaders in their communities; and, with a value towards inclusion, young people who have demonstrated their academic excellence and motivation to achieve great things are not limited by their financial background. Scholarships like the Uggla Family Scholars Programme established in December 2020 by Lance Uggla, LSE Honorary Fellow and alumnus (Msc Accounting and Finance 1986), are critical to our mission. The Programme provides up to ten undergraduate scholarships each year for academically qualified students with the highest financial need.
LSE President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Larry Kramer paid tribute to Lance for establishing this programme which goes above and beyond the typical scholarship programme by providing the pastoral care, career support and mentoring needed to help these young scholars realise their full potential.
Lance Uggla’s vision and generosity have helped fortify and shape LSE’s commitment to fairness and opportunity by providing a gateway to talented and deserving students who may not otherwise have access to the kind of education LSE offers.
At a special graduation ceremony that took place in LSE’s Old Theatre with the Uggla family and Scholars past and present, Lance Uggla looked back on his time at LSE. He reflected that when he graduated in 1986 there were “no smartphones, no Google, no Netflix and the coffee left much to be desired”. But no matter how much the world changes or how daunting the challenges, the strength of the LSE community then and now is the common thread that unites generations of LSE graduates.
As you take this next step with real confidence. Keep your curiosity. Try to stay humble, be kind. And when in doubt, call one of your friends from LSE.
Expressing how incredibly proud he and the whole Uggla family are of the scholars Will Meldrum, Director of the Uggla Family Foundation shared three simple requests:
- Please advocate for the Uggla Family Scholars Programme by going back to your communities and your schools to talk about this great programme.
- Please stay in touch.
- Please come back and join us. Be part of this lifelong community we are building.
Along with Lance and Will, Lance's children - Cassidy, Riley, Kendall, and Matt Uggla - have also supported the success of this programme by mentoring scholars and attending events. In the audience for graduation, joining the families and friends of Harris, Jason, Khadija, Khushi, Lorenzo, Skander and Swann and celebrating their success was Cassidy Uggla, daughter of Lance Uggla and Board Member of the Uggla Family Foundation. Her presence was a testament to the fact that the Uggla Family Scholars Programme is a family affair and one that will continue for generations.
It’s really meaningful to witness students graduate. It’s a privilege to be part of the programme - and with each student that graduates it’s a reminder of the barriers that have been overcome and the courage it takes to pursue education when the odds are stacked against you.
Concluding the ceremony and speaking on behalf of her fellow Scholars Sian’s final words captured the essence of the Uggla Family Scholars Programme perfectly: "As we look ahead to the next chapter, I carry with me not just a degree, but a network of incredible people. So, thank you for believing in us, investing in us, and walking this journey with us. I can’t wait to see what we all go on to achieve."
