How a gift in your Will can support a student
Eleanor Rose Will - honouring a heart that gave
Eleanor Rose Will studied at Keele University graduating in 1959 with a degree in Geography and Politics which led her to become a teacher, a career that offered her ample opportunities.
Eleanor naturally had a strong passion for travelling around the world and helping others, one example being during her holidays when she humbly volunteered for the Service Civil International in both India and France, helping to improve the living conditions of a leprosarium and urban slum areas. Her helpful demeanour and consideration for others allowed her to meet several people who would then become her lifetime friends, as well as meeting the sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Eleanor chose to live in Pakistan where she undertook her first teaching engagement. She had made a bold leap by immersing herself in diverse settings to develop her cultural awareness and her ability to understand and acknowledge others uniquely. However, her dedication to learning and exploring didn’t stop there. In 1966 as a mature student returning to full-time education, Eleanor made the choice to study at London School of Economics for a diploma in Social Administration for Graduates that were overseas. Her involvement in a variety of career-related experiences gave rise to a position in the research department at the Foreign Office where she worked for 11 years.
Eleanor sadly passed away in 2020 after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. However, for most her life she had remained exceptionally fit and active ensuring that her time in life was being well spent. After her passing, Eleanor’s family thought it would be a fitting tribute to financially support students studying in the School of Geography, Geology and Environment with bursaries which would give them a golden opportunity to travel as part of their Keele studies.
A student recently gave a testimonial relating to their unforgettable experience, which was made possible thanks to Eleanor Will’s Bursary.
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"Earlier this year I was able to go on a fantastic fieldtrip to Geneva and Chamonix, thanks to the Eleanor Wills Travel Bursary. Having the opportunity to travel to these fascinating places and witness the geographical processes I had learnt throughout my degree was incredible and I am very thankful. While at the Alps, it was clear that many of us were in awe of the beautiful scenery, but as a geographer that knew the looming fate of these snow-stricken landscapes - there was also a deep feeling of unrest and despair. These are feelings I never expected to have, and it really emphasised the importance of on-site work as it creates a whole new depth to our understandings of place. Overall, it was an incredible experience for me as both a geography student and as an introvert wanting to make some friends. I would thoroughly recommend this module and am very grateful to the Eleanor Wills Travel Bursary, that helped make this trip a reality."
