Robin Sheppard makes substantial financial donation to support student learning

 

The Oxford Cultural Collective will deliver a range of learning experiences for students in the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University, made possible through a generous financial donation from Robin Sheppard, Founder and Chairman of Bespoke Hotels. 

Sheppard’s generous donation will give students access to a range of co-curricular activities designed to strengthen their management competencies and enhance their cultural and social capital.

In 2016 Sheppard launched the Bespoke Access Awards, an international design competition that recognises innovative architectural design that improves access and enhances the experience for restaurant and hotel guests, particularly for those with disabilities. Reflecting his passionate support for access issues, part of his donation will fund the Bespoke Access Scholarship, to cover the research costs for one masters student’s dissertation focused in this area.  In addition, the Bespoke Access Lunch will give students and industry leaders the chance to hear from a keynote speaker about the challenges faced by guests who have disabilities.

Robin Sheppard’s donation will also support a volunteering programme in Romania, through which students will contribute to a range of community-based projects.  And his help will enable the Oxford Cultural Collective’s involvement in the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival to be extended, providing students with opportunities to conceptualise and manage high profile events, as well as hosting VIP guests.

Angela Maher, Acting Head of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management commented: “Our reputation for delivering an excellent student experience is founded in large part on co-curricular activities that develop students’ confidence and get them ready for challenging and fulfilling management careers. Robin’s hugely generous contribution will strengthen our capacity to deliver this kind of innovative learning.”

Before establishing Bespoke Hotels Robin Sheppard was General Manager of several acclaimed properties including The Lygon Arms, The Royal Berkshire and The Bath Spa. He is a graduate of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management and in April 2017 he received the Bacchus Alumni Award for Major Contribution to Industry.

Learn more about Bespoke Hotels – follow this link.

Learn more about the Bespoke Access Award – follow this link