For Marion Davidson (BEd Education, 1977), education has been a thread running through every stage of her life and career. It introduced her to her late husband, Jim, opened doors to a profession she loved, and inspired a lifelong belief in the power of opportunity.
After beginning her career teaching speech and drama, Marion faced an unexpected challenge when changes to teaching regulations meant her qualifications were no longer recognised in Scotland. Rather than walk away from teaching, she chose to return to education herself. She chose to return to education herself and graduated with distinction in 1977.
I graduated from Strathclyde in 1977 with distinction, and I look back on my graduation ceremony with great pride.
Marion went on to build a successful teaching career, eventually retiring as Head of Drama at a school where she had worked for two decades. Throughout her career, she witnessed first-hand the difference that education, encouragement and opportunity can make in a young person's life.
A Sense of Possibility
When reflecting on her time at Strathclyde, Marion's strongest memories are not of lectures or examinations, but of the opportunities that higher education can create.
What stays with me most about my time at the University is not a particular lecture or exam, but a sense of possibility.
It was the way that education can open doors, especially for young people who might not yet see university as 'for them'.
That belief became central to both Marion's personal and professional life. Having seen talented young people thrive when given the right support, she became passionate about widening access to education and removing barriers that can prevent students from achieving their potential.
Honouring Jim's Legacy
Marion's late husband, Jim, shared her commitment to education. The first person in his family to attend university, he came from a large working-class family whose pride in his achievements stayed with him throughout his life. He studied Building Sciences at Strathclyde before becoming a technical teacher, helping future generations benefit from the opportunities that education had created for him.
Following Jim's passing, a fundraising mailing from Strathclyde prompted Marion to consider how she could honour his memory.
She chose to establish the Davidson Undergraduate Scholarship, creating opportunities for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.
Establishing the Davidson Undergraduate Scholarship seemed to me the most impactful and meaningful way to honour my late husband's memory.
For more than 25 years, Marion has supported the University's scholarship programme, helping students access an education that might otherwise have been beyond their reach.
Looking to the Future
Marion's commitment to education extends beyond her lifetime. Having seen the impact that scholarships can have on students and their families, she has also chosen to include Strathclyde in her Will.
For Marion, legacy giving is about recognising the role that education played in shaping her life and ensuring future generations have access to the same opportunities.
She hopes her story will encourage others to reflect on the impact Strathclyde has had on their own lives and the difference they could make for future students.
Creating Opportunity for Future Strathclyders
Legacy gifts help the University provide scholarships, support talented students and create opportunities for those who may otherwise face barriers to higher education. Gifts of all sizes can make a meaningful difference.
