A scholarship in memory of a much missed former Fife College staff member has been given to two students.
Erin Duffy, 18, from Cowdenbeath and Richard Dempster, 37, from Dunfermline were the first to receive awards in Brian Mankelow’s name.
Brian worked with the estates team at the college’s Halbeath campus for 21 years but sadly died last November aged 64.
The estates team was determined to do something in his memory and so approached the Adam Smith Foundation, the college’s scholarship programme.
Marshall Construction was also keen to get involved and so the scholarship was created.
Brian’s wife Anne attended the ceremony along with daughters Sharon and Julie and sister-in-law Helen.
Richard has just completed his course in NC built environment and is going on to study HND quantity surveying with the aim of completing a degree.
He decided to come to college after previously working in banking and call centre sales.
“I was recently divorced and so I feel this is a new chapter in my life — I’m keen to make the best life possible for my two daughters alongside securing a good career for myself.
“Winning this scholarship means a lot — being recognised for my achievements at college is a great feeling.”
Richard was also recognised for his hard work and commitment last year when he was awarded a Russell Trust scholarship.
Meanwhile Erin was also delighted to receive an award.
The ambitious young painter and decorator has just completed an NPA painting and decorating course and plans to start her own company when she finishes her apprenticeship.
She is no stranger to success after winning second place in a national competition.
She said she was “over the moon” and will use her funding to buy the tools of the trade.
Erin was accompanied to the awards ceremony by her parents who praised their daughter for her commitment to her work which she does while helping care for her sister who has a spinal disability.
Brian’s wife Anne said he enjoyed working at the college and would have been really interested to hear all about Richard and Erin and their achievements and proud that this scholarship had been set up in his name.
Derek Clarke from Alloa-based family firm Marshall Construction said: “We were keen to give something back to the community and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity.”
