A lasting impact at Lucy Cavendish College.
As we celebrate Lucy Legacy Month, we honour the remarkable contributions of Mr Ernest Hecht OBE, whose generosity continues to shape the lives of students and the future of our institution. Through the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation, Mr Hecht's legacy has funded three transformative scholarships, embodying his lifelong commitment to education, the arts, and making a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged.
A Life of Resilience and Generosity
Ernest Hecht's life story is one of remarkable resilience and success. Born in 1929 in Moravia, Czechoslovakia, he arrived in England as a young 'Kindertransport' refugee just before World War II. Despite the challenges he faced, Hecht went on to build a successful career in publishing, founding Souvenir Press in 1951 with a modest loan of £250 from his father. Under his leadership, the company became one of Britain's most successful independent publishing houses, known for its eclectic and diverse catalogue.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Hecht was a passionate supporter of the arts and education. His commitment to these causes found a perfect match in Lucy Cavendish College, where he became a generous donor and cherished friend.
The Ernest Hecht Scholarships: Empowering Future Generations
Lucy Cavendish College received a legacy gift of £250,000 from the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation, establishing two groundbreaking scholarships in 2020:
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The Ernest Hecht Science Studentship: Endowed with £125,000, this scholarship supports undergraduate students aged 18 or older from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
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The Ernest Hecht Studentship for Mature Women: Also endowed with £125,000, this scholarship is open to mature women in the UK studying any discipline at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Building on this incredible legacy, we are thrilled to announce a third scholarship endowed with an additional £125,000:
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The Ernest Hecht Arts & Humanities Studentship: Set to be awarded for the first time to a student starting in Michaelmas term 2024, this scholarship reflects Mr Hecht's lifelong passion for the arts and literature.
A Vision Aligned with Lucy Cavendish College's Mission
Professor Dame Madeleine Atkins, President of Lucy Cavendish College, emphasised the significance of Mr. Hecht's contributions: "This legacy demonstrates, in the most meaningful way, our special relationship with Mr Hecht. He was acutely aware and supportive of our mission to give a Cambridge education to those mature women who, without Lucy Cavendish, would have believed that Cambridge was not for them."
As the College continues in its new chapter, welcoming talented students of all genders from underrepresented groups, these scholarships serve as a testament to Mr Hecht's vision and the evolving mission of Lucy Cavendish College.
A Lasting Impact
The Ernest Hecht Scholarships not only provide financial support but also inspire and empower students to pursue their academic dreams. Jo Ryan, Development Director, notes: "Ernest Hecht's legacy embodies the transformative power of education and opportunity. Through these scholarships, we're not just supporting individual students; we're nurturing future leaders and innovators who will carry forward Mr Hecht's vision of making a difference in the world. Each recipient of an Ernest Hecht Studentship becomes part of a living legacy, one that celebrates diversity, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. It's truly inspiring to see how Mr Hecht's generosity continues to open doors and change lives at Lucy Cavendish College."
As we celebrate Legacy Month, we remember Ernest Hecht OBE not just as a successful publisher and philanthropist, but as a true friend of Lucy Cavendish College. His legacy lives on through the students whose lives are transformed by his generosity, and through the lasting impact these scholars will have on the world.
Mr Hecht's life and contributions remind us of the power of education to change lives and the importance of creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked. As Lucy Cavendish College continues to evolve and grow, the Ernest Hecht Studentships will remain a beacon of hope and opportunity, embodying the values of inclusivity, excellence, and transformation that define our institution.
About Lucy Legacy Month:
This September, Lucy Cavendish College is proud to host Lucy Legacy Month, celebrating the transformative power of legacy giving. Throughout the month, we will shine a spotlight on the incredible impact legacies have on our college community, and provide valuable information on how you can leave a lasting legacy at Lucy Cavendish (and how you can write a will online for free).
