The campaign to raise £60 million for the University of Surrey 
About the campaign
Over the next three years, we’re aiming to raise £60 million to invest in our leading research and to support students from diverse backgrounds to thrive at Surrey.
Why your support matters
Tomorrow needs us more than ever.
The future needs healthier humans living longer lives. It demands cleaner air and greener energy. Artificial intelligence that is ethical and people-centred is crucial, and we need to ensure the next generation of graduates are ready to take the lead.
That’s where you come in. By supporting The Future Says Surrey campaign, you can help us shape a tomorrow that is more sustainable, more equitable and where everyone has the chance to succeed – whatever their financial background.
The future says we need your help.
The Future Says Surrey.
Why I give
Surrey has supporters from across the globe who are united by their desire to impact the world for the better. However, the journey to making a gift is different for everyone. We asked some of our most loyal donors to share their motivation for giving with us.
BSc Civil Engineering (1979)
“As we were advised early in our philanthropic journey, it’s important to believe in the value of any gift. We feel the University has allowed us to give something back. Helping the next generation that is contemplating time at Surrey can only be a good thing.”
BSc Chemical Engineering/Human Biology with Nursing (1978)
“Visiting the University, while on a family vacation in the late 1990s, prompted us to reflect on the opportunities Surrey provided us. We wanted to ensure that future generations of Surrey students had similar positive experiences by giving back to those who face financial hurdles through no fault of their own.”
BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management (2014)
“When I returned to China after graduation, I was given support from many Surrey alumni. In return, I was willing to do my part to support the better development of the University and continue the spirit of alumni helping each other.”
The McGrath Charitable Trust
“The McGrath Charitable Trust started a relationship with the Guildford School of Acting in 2000, in memory of former student Sean McGrath. Our inspiration was to provide financial support to students who have talent and desire to succeed, but needed some financial support to complete their studies at the University and to fulfil their potential.”
ACT Hotel Management (1958)
“Sadly, Covid-19 has impinged upon life as it was for us all. For some Surrey students, particularly those from overseas, this has caused real hardship. To those who might be thinking of making a gift to the University, its track record speaks for itself. Our contributions are both well used and certainly much appreciated.”
Our campaign board
Our campaign board brings together alumni and friends of the University of Surrey to provide strategic advice to help us achieve our ambition of raising £60 million to transform our research and support our students.
Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE CBEDistinguished Chair, Professor of Physics, Professor of Public Engagement in Science and Centre Director at University of SurreyBSc Physics (1986) and PhD Physics (1989), University of Surrey
An acclaimed scientist, author and broadcaster, Professor Al-Khalili is a Fellow of the Royal Society, a judge on the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering and former President of the British Science Association.
Chris BraithwaiteTrustee, The Braithwaite Family FoundationBSc Civil Engineering (1979), University of Surrey
Surrey alumnus Chris’ career spans energy, project management and manufacturing, and non-executive directorships in smaller energy companies. His Braithwaite Family Foundation provides philanthropic assistance to causes including young people and medical research.
Lynette BraithwaiteTrustee, The Braithwaite Family Foundation
Lynette read Arts and Law at Sydney University before becoming a solicitor. After her MBA from Cranfield University, she joined the board of the CAA Air Transport Users Committee. She currently sits on an opera house advisory board and is a trustee of The Braithwaite Family Foundation.
Youngsuk (YS) ChiChairman of Elsevier, Director of Corporate Affairs and Asia Strategy for RELX Honorary Graduate, University of Surrey
YS is a leader in the media and technology industry. In his RELX role, he’s responsible for government affairs, communications and corporate responsibility. As non-executive Chairman of Elsevier, he works with governments, customers and industry associations worldwide.
Cled ColeRetired executive, ExxonMobilBSc Chemical Engineering (1978), University of Surrey
Cled has enjoyed a successful international oil and gas career spanning more than 35 years. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK) and a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (US). Cled is an active volunteer, having been a board member of the Friends of the University of Surrey in the US since 2005.
Patrick DeggVice-President, Global, University of Surrey
Following a career in investment banking in Hong Kong, Patrick moved to the University of St Andrews as Director of Development, leading their 600th anniversary £100m fundraising campaign. Patrick joined the University of Surrey in 2017, with a portfolio bringing together the University’s external engagement and student recruitment activities globally.
Pam JesticoLay Member of Council, University of SurreyAdvisory Board Member, Surrey Business School
Pam is an international banker with more than 30 years of experience. During her career with HSBC, she was a Managing Director of the global restructuring team. Pam has been a member of the Surrey Business School Advisory Board since 2016.
Marcus LeeFounder and CEO of GR8 Global Ventures LimitedBSc Engineering with Business Management (1992), University of Surrey
Marcus began his career in the UK IT industry. Since returning to Hong Kong, he has been a dedicated supporter of providing education in mainland China and has supported primary schools located in remote areas of the country. He’s also Director of the Equal Opportunities Foundation.
Professor Max LuVice-Chancellor and President, University of Surrey
Professor Lu is a member of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, sitting on the Board of the National Physical Laboratory. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey and is active in many charitable, scientific and community organisations both locally and internationally.
Professor Steve MyintAcademic physician turned businessman and entrepreneurHonorary Graduate, University of Surrey
With a career spanning the NHS, academia and industry, Steve is the Chairman of Inex Private Ltd (Singapore). A member of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal Society of Medicine, Steve is also co-founder of Finland’s first biotech fund and a partner in the venture fund Pharma Capital (USA).
Folarin OyeleyeExecutive Director, JPMorgan Private BankBSc Electronic Engineering (2006), University of Surrey. Member of the Access and Participation Governance Panel and University of Surrey Students’ Union President (2005-2006)
Folarin is a member of the management team for the UK Private Bank at JPMorgan. At Surrey, Folarin was the first black and international student elected President of the Students’ Union. He was actively involved in the planning of Manor Park Student Village and Surrey Sports Park.
Michael QueenChair of Council, University of Surrey
Michael was formerly Chief Executive of global investment company 3i Group plc and is currently Director of BTL Limited, developing the Thames Tideway tunnel. He’s a Director of Coller Capital Limited, Saudi-based industrial company TAQA, and advises Indian and Chinese companies.
Dato Dr Kim TanChairman, SpringHill ManagementBSc Biochemistry (1978), PhD Biochemistry (1983), University of Surrey Pro-Chancellor, University of Surrey
Kim is Chairman of SpringHill Management, a private fund management company specialising in biotech and social venture capital investments. He is a trustee of The John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust and the Centre for Enterprise, Markets & Ethics.
Professor Ya-Qin ZhangChair Professor of AI Science and Dean of Institute for AI Industry Research of Tsinghua UniversityHonorary Graduate, University of Surrey
Ya-Qin served as the President of Baidu Inc for five years, where he was responsible for the Autonomous Driving, Cloud Computing, Emerging Business and Technology divisions. Before this, he was an executive at Microsoft for 16 years.