One man’s dream, now a reality for Cardiff University students
James Mason’s unfulfilled dream of studying science at Cardiff University is fuelling his family’s dedication to supporting students from similar backgrounds. 100 years after James Mason’s birth, a bursary established in his name is giving Welsh STEM students the opportunity to thrive in their degrees and beyond.
James ‘Jim’ Mason was born in Merthyr Tydfil on 31 May 1924. His father, a baker, had been weakened by service in the First World War, and died prematurely in 1931, leaving his wife to raise their children – two daughters and a son.
Jim, the youngest of the three siblings, was a bright child and did well at school. He was more than capable of going on to university.
However, he chose instead to leave the academic world at the age of 16 to support his mother who was struggling to make ends meet.
When Jim reached the age of 18, the Second World War was in its fourth year, and he volunteered to join the RAF. He served in both the African and European theatres as a radio technician.
When he was demobbed at the end of the war, he took advantage of a government scheme for ex-servicemen and trained as a teacher.
Jim’s first teaching job was in the Manchester area, where he met Agnes, his wife to be.
They married and bought a house in East Didsbury. Cheryll, their only child, was born in 1955. Jim and Agnes stayed in East Didsbury for the rest of their lives. Agnes died in 2003; Jim in 2012.
Throughout his life, Jim continued to show an interest in furthering his own education. In 1976 he was awarded a BSc in Mathematics and Education from the Open University.
Many years later, when Christopher, his grandson, was awarded a place at Cardiff University to study Exploration Geology, Jim announced that his own ambition as a teenager had been to study Natural Sciences at the same place but that family circumstances had made this an impossible dream.
The James Mason Bursary
Ten years ago, a gift was given to establish the James Mason Bursary at Cardiff University in his memory.
Since then, the bursary has enabled students from similar backgrounds to break through financial barriers and pursue their passion for STEM subjects.
James’ grandson Chris Williams (BSc 2006) studied at Cardiff University and has become a donor to the fund.
“It’s amazing to see that the passion my granddad had for creating and sharing knowledge is now being passed on to the next generation.”
Chris Williams (BSc 2006)
Harian Edwards (MArch 2023) is one of those first students who received the bursary while undertaking her Architecture degree. Now a Part II Architectural Assistant, she continues to be grateful for the support and its impact.
“The thought of attending university was a challenge for me considering the financial implications. I wanted to study Architecture which is a long course, and I needed funds for materials. I remain deeply grateful for the generosity that I benefitted from.
"The bursary inspired me. To pay this forward, I have acted as an ambassador at multiple open days and offer days, and I have run various architecture workshops across schools in South Wales.
"I am now working as a Part II Architectural Assistant at a small practice and my goal is to become a fully qualified architect. I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement that this bursary provided."
"It came at a time when I could not have imagined where I would be today.”
Harian Edwards (MArch 2023)
The James Mason Bursary today
Ten years on from its establishment, the bursary continues to make a difference. Caylum Kehoe (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2024-) is a current recipient of the bursary.
“I cannot begin to say how much stress has been relieved by this bursary. I’m studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering because I am fascinated by electrical components, their functions, and how they are created.
"I wanted to study at Cardiff as it’s rated the highest university in Wales for my course, and it’s local to where I live so I can care for my Granch when I need to."
"I’m so grateful for taking this chance to help me with my degree and my future.”
Caylum Kehoe (Electrical & Electronic Engineering 2024-)
This bursary began with one Merthyr man’s dream and has supported many students through university. It has fuelled their passion for their subject to grow and enabled them to graduate.
Now as they continue in further study or work, and as the bursary continues to help the nex generation, many Cardiff University graduates are walking through life with James Mason’s legacy a part of their story.
Supporting students
Find out more about how you can donate to support students at Cardiff University.
