Alumni support underrepresented students to study at the Institute of Criminology in memory of Jack Merritt
Peter Quinn and his son, Christopher and daughter, Miriam
Like many alumni, Peter Quinn (Selwyn, 1966) was moved by the tragic deaths of alumnus Jack Merritt (Hughes Hall, 2016) and Saskia Jones at a Learning Together programme celebration at Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, on 29 November 2019.
Peter Quinn’s gift is a wonderful example of generosity to honour Jack’s positive contributions to the practical aspects of criminology and to those who have lived experience of criminal justice.
Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe, former Director of the Institute of Criminology
When Peter heard that a new scholarship was to be established in Jack’s memory by Hughes Hall and the Institute of Criminology, where Jack studied and subsequently worked, he knew he wanted to help.
Peter spent 30 years working in the criminal justice system after graduating with a postgraduate diploma from the Institute of Criminology, after a law degree from Aberystwyth. Reflecting on the impact that the opportunity to study at Cambridge had on his career, and on his motivation for generously supporting the studentship, Peter said:
“Knowing that Anglia Ruskin University has founded a PhD scholarship in Saskia’s memory and that Hughes Hall and the Institute were planning a studentship in Jack’s name, I was pleased to donate to the latter in recognition both of what the Institute has meant to me over the years and further, that it might assist others in seeking to fulfil Jack’s and Saskia’s aspirations.”
The Institute of Criminology / Hughes Hall – Jack Merritt studentship helps students from underrepresented backgrounds study criminology at Cambridge. The studentship provides financial assistance to a student who has not had a straightforward route into education, or who has experienced various social disadvantages to come to Cambridge and study for an MPhil in Criminology.
Former Director of the Institute of Criminology, Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe, has said:
"The tragedy of Fishmongers’ Hall has touched so very many lives, families, friends, students, prisoners, academics across the nations, and alumni of the Institute of Criminology. Peter Quinn’s gift towards the Hughes Hall/Institute of Criminology studentship in memory of Jack Merritt is a wonderful example of generosity to honour Jack’s positive contributions to the practical aspects of criminology and to those who have lived experience of criminal justice".
The Jack Merritt Studentship has only been made possible by the generous support of alumni and friends of Jack and his family. It has already been able to support two students with £7,500 each towards living and study costs.
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