Aberystwyth University given £500,000 scholarship gift Published duration 16 October 2015

A leading geologist who had financial help to attend Aberystwyth University has given the institution £506,000 for a new scholarship fund.

Peter Hancock was himself awarded a scholarship 50 years ago which led to a successful career, during which he mapped central Australia's geology.

He donated the money with his partner and fellow Aberystwyth alumna Patricia Pollard.

Mr Hancock, who lives in New Zealand, said he wanted to give something back.

"The key element in making this gift is to give something back to student life and the university that over 50 years ago gave me so much academically, socially and in developing my leadership and business skills," he said.

"At the same time, I hope it will make a difference through providing scholarships for in need, promising students to enable them to commence rewarding careers that contribute to society and so, in turn, help others."

image copyright Ian Medcalf/Geograph image caption Peter Hancock graduated from Aberystwyth University in 1962

The Peter Hancock Need & Merit Scholarship Fund will be launched in November to award scholarships for "deserving, meritorious, in-need Year 2 honours students or equivalent in any discipline".

Mr Hancock, who will help select students for the scholarship, graduated from Aberystwyth University in geology in 1962.

He has worked as an engineering and exploration geologist in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, discovering new mineral resources and overseeing major gas pipeline, hydro-electric and irrigation projects.

Aberystwyth University's vice-chancellor, April McMahon, said: "The impact of Mr Hancock's generosity will be felt across the university for many years to come".

"He believes strongly that the professionally and financially rewarding career he has enjoyed as an engineering and exploration geologist was enabled by a scholarship provided through the university, without which he would not have been able to complete an honours degree," she added.