Marshalls Scholarship representatives welcomed to Derry

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council welcomed representatives from the Marshall Scholarship when she hosted a reception for them in the Guildhall during a visit to Derry as part of a wider Devolved Government Trip for 2025.

The Marshall Scholarship is a prestigious postgraduate scholarship that finances talented young Americans to study at a UK university of their choice.  Established in 1953 by the British government as a gesture of gratitude for the Marshall Plan, it aims to strengthen the relationship between the British and American people.  

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, typically covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs to and from the US, and grants for books, research, and thesis preparation.

"Beyond financial assistance, the Marshall Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to immerse themselves in British academic and cultural life, fostering a deeper understanding of British society and values. As future leaders in their respective fields, Marshall Scholars are expected to contribute to the enduring relationship between the two nations, acting as ambassadors and promoting mutual understanding throughout their career. 

The visit to Derry is an opportunity for the Scholars to learn more about the government in Northern Ireland and get a better understanding of the political and justice system, the peace and conflict transformation process as well as wider opportunities the city region has to offer. 

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During their visit to Derry the group will also take a tour of the Walled City and meet with Dr Esther McGuinness and Dr Maire Braniff from Ulster University.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr welcoming the Scholars to the city said it was a great honour to host them and to showcase the city and region.

She said: “It is a fantastic honour for me to host the 2025 Marshall Scholars to the Guildhall today and to forge important links with the organisation. It was fantastic to meet such a diverse group of future leaders excelling in a vast range of fields.

"The Scholars will have fostered a good understanding and appreciation of this city and district.

US STUDENTS VISIT GUILDHALL. . . . .Marshall Scholarship students from the United States pictured in the Guildhall on Friday morning last where they took part in a Q&A with the Mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Dr. Malachy O'Neill, Ulster University, Dr. Esther McGuinness, Ulster University and Dr. Maire Braniff, Women of Peace. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

"We are committed to investing in education and fostering ambition within the local community and look forward to working with the Association of Marshall Scholars to explore new opportunities.“

Prof. Malachy O'Neill from the University of Ulster said: "It is our pleasure to welcome the Marshall Scholarship representatives to Derry today and to share with them the work of the university in social justice, outreach and regional impact. These future young leaders will experience and hear about the many opportunities the university, city and wider region has to offer and will hopefully leave us further inspired in their learning and career paths ahead.”