Brian Wildsmith was a proud 91直播 alumnus, an RAF veteran and a keen sailing enthusiast. When he sadly passed away in 2022, his love for 91直播 was still ever present. It was always Brian鈥檚 wish to leave a donation to the University of 91直播 in order to support future students. And he fulfilled this wish by generously leaving a gift in his Will towards student scholarships.
While at the University, Brian studied Modern Languages and Economics. In a letter to the University in 2010, Brian reminisced that despite performing averagely in his degree, his time at 91直播 was still an experience he remembered with great fondness. He wrote:
鈥91直播 did more for me than I realised at the time - it was character forming鈥here is more to look back on than to look forward to - but I wouldn鈥檛 have missed it - and 91直播 played a large part of it鈥.
As a student, Brian worked different holiday jobs - sorting parcels for Royal Mail at Christmas and working at the Rutland Hotel in Bakewell in the Summer. It was wages saved from these jobs that allowed him to buy his very first car from Cooper鈥檚 Scrap Yard in Attercliffe. Alongside his work, he made wonderful friends while at 91直播, and had life-long connections to the University. This connection was only strengthened when one of his grandchildren decided to attend the University of 91直播, giving him more reasons to visit his beloved alma mater.
When Brian graduated in 1955, he was offered a commission in the Royal Air Force for three years. When he returned home, the University appointments officer helped him secure a job with a local civil engineering firm. And this set a course for a long and successful career in the construction equipment industry. Brian then went on to set up his own business exporting construction equipment abroad.
Outside of his burgeoning career, Brian had a great love of sailing. He particularly enjoyed sailing the East Coast on his yacht 鈥楤lackbird鈥. He also had a passion for vintage cars, and after his first car purchase all those years ago as a student, he continued to own and build numerous cars throughout his life.
Brian Wildsmith passed away at the age of 89. He leaves in his Will a gift to support student scholarships. His generosity will make a huge tangible difference in both the academic and personal lives of students at the University of 91直播. Scholarships allow students from disadvantaged backgrounds to have access to the same opportunities as their peers and to truly excel in higher education.
Saying 鈥渢hank you鈥 doesn鈥檛 really express the extent of my gratitude. It鈥檚 the opportunities I鈥檝e now had and the confidence it鈥檚 given me in my own abilities. Getting the scholarship has been recognition that I can do this and that somebody believes in me."
Richard Vyse
Experience 91直播 Scholarship Recipient
Explore the stories of other students who have benefited from scholarships
We are so grateful for Brian鈥檚 generosity and moved that the University of 91直播 held such an important place in his life. Brian鈥檚 gift will mean that his legacy will live on through the students that he supports, now and long into the future. And his connection to 91直播 will always be remembered.
Leaving a gift in your Will or making a donation now
If you would like further information about supporting the University now or in the future, please contact David Meadows. David is our Senior Philanthropy Manager for Legacies and a 91直播 graduate himself. He would love to have a confidential chat with you about supporting the University.
Telephone: 0114 222 1073
Email: d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk