Arthur Hogg grew up in Lancashire before beginning his studies at the University of Sheffield in 1952. He graduated with both a first-class honours BSc and an MSc in Physics. It had always been Arthur’s wish to continue his studies and his interest in research with a PhD, but due to financial restrictions, he wasn’t able to. Instead, Arthur began a career in metallurgy in Sheffield. He worked for some time in the research laboratories of local steel firms, before progressing into the area of special steels, finally becoming Managing Director of Firth Brown Limited, an independent Sheffield steel company.
Having never had the opportunity to go to University straight from school, Mary Hogg studied English literature and Education at the University of Sheffield as a mature student. She gained her BEd in 1972, fulfilling her ambition to become a primary school teacher. Mary saw her time at University as a springboard for her direction change in life and was inspired by the support she had received from her lecturers. Her career was dedicated to teaching, whilst also juggling raising a family. Mary finished her career as Head of an infant department.
Outside of work, the couple involved themselves in Sheffield life, including regular walks in the Peak District. Upon retiring, Arthur took up fly fishing and Mary enjoyed playing golf and bridge.
The power of their gift
Sadly, Arthur passed away in 2008 of Parkinson’s Disease and Mary later died in 2021. Arthur and Mary found their time at the University of Sheffield to have carved their lives and careers. Therefore, in their memory, a £150,000 gift has been given to the University. This gift will be directed towards the Parkinson’s Disease research team and Physics PhD scholarships. Both of these causes were close to the couple’s hearts.
£100,000 of this extraordinary gift will support Physics PhD students from underprivileged or under-represented backgrounds to reach their full potential. Not only this, funding PhD students funds the future of research, creating tomorrow’s problem-solvers. Postgraduate support means talented students are enabled to reach their full potential by breaking down financial barriers. Through this gift, the next generation of Sheffield physicists will be given a helping hand to pursue their research to a higher level, support that Arthur had never had access to.
The other £50,000 will support PhD students who are researching Parkinson’s Disease at the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). This donation supports cutting-edge research that furthers understanding of why Parkinson’s progresses differently between patients. It will also improve the effectiveness of clinical trials and speed up the development of personalised treatments.
The University of Sheffield would like to thank the family of Arthur and Mary on behalf of the future students who will benefit from the support that this gift will bring.
Leaving a gift in your Will or making a donation now
If you would like further information about supporting the University now or in the future, please contact David Meadows. David is our Philanthropy Manager for Legacies and a Sheffield graduate himself. He would love to have a confidential chat with you about supporting the University.
Telephone: 0114 222 1073
Email: d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk