Vital fund endowed to help students achieve their dreams

The Mel Joyner Award supports students at the University – and a legacy donation from her late dad means it will continue for life
The late Mel Joyner

Vital fund endowed to help students achieve their dreams

The Mel Joyner Award supports students at the University – and a legacy donation from her late dad means it will continue for life
Mel Joyner

An award that supports students from underrepresented backgrounds has received a touching backing to ensure it continues for future generations. 
The Mel Joyner Award supports students from underrepresented backgrounds at the University of Plymouth – and is given to applicants who demonstrate how they have contributed to University projects and initiatives. 
Established in memory of a much-loved member of staff who put students at the heart of her work, Mel’s award was initially backed by her family and friends when it was set up in 2019.
Now, following a legacy donation from Mel’s late father, Fred, the award has been endowed for life, meaning that students will be able to benefit from it for years to come. 
Awarded in the region of £500 each, students can use the money to support their studies, continue their support initiatives and/or pursue their dreams.
The Mel Joyner Award

Latest application window is now open

Meet the students who benefit from the support 

Students can apply for the award – or be nominated by a staff member – by demonstrating their contribution to University life. This could be through a society, a local community project or by bringing people together. 
Medical student Shehany Warnakulasuriya is one of the latest recipients, following her numerous initiatives as a student ambassador and supporting the local refugee community. 
She said: 
“I’m in my final year of study and having an extra financial support has been so helpful. 
"University has changed my life and – having secured a place on a specialised foundation training programme at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Foundation Trust – I’m so excited for what the future holds.”
Medical student Shehany Warnakulasuriya in scrubs
Medical student Shehany Warnakulasuriya
Uthsara Dissanayake
Uthsara Dissanayake 
Uthsara Dissanayake received the award for his support for Global Plymouth – a link between international students and the Plymouth community – and his work to encourage more students to attend local arts events. 
He said: 
“Plymouth has offered me a huge wealth of opportunity and I’m in a privileged position to be able to give back. 
“I’ll use the money I received to continue holding fundraising events for causes linked to the Uni – for example, we’re holding a film night to fundraise for sleeping bags for Students and Refugees Together (START).”
Medical student Kalum Warnakulasuriya received the award for his work supporting underrepresented communities, in addition to being President of the Anatomy Society, and Vice-President of the Surgical Society. He is an ambassador for the University’s Widening Access to Medical School programme and Next Steps South West, and outside the University, is on the board of the Mutley Greenbank Trust, helping to shape local youth and community projects tackling poverty and social isolation. He said: 
“It felt amazing to be recognised for the work I do outside of medicine and at the University. The award made me feel heard, appreciated and helped me feel like a part of a big community, amongst amazing people who do so much for Devon. It has inspired me to do more and become a better version of myself for the community and for medicine whilst the award also helped me navigate some difficult times.” 
Kalum Warnakulasuriya
Kalum Warnakulasuriya

I read the students’ stories and am thankful and blessed to hear about them. I feel I am listening to them through Mel’s ears. Every one over the years put a smile on our faces.

Mel would have been so proud of each and every one of them. Fred and Mel were much the same – they both loved people and found the best in each one. They were both very down-to-earth people and had an immense sense of gratitude for the smallest of things.  
Fred and I both felt so proud whenever Mel’s award was given. We felt that through her we were able to provide this help, and it gave us comfort that we could carry on her work of supporting students.
Dianne Joyner, Fred’s wife

More information

Environmental science students staff on some rocks overlooking the sea and town

Bursaries and support funds

Students getting support at the Student Hub

Support during your time at University

Applicant day

Students and family