The LSE Stelios Scholarship

Celebrating 20 years of life-changing support

For 20 years, the LSE Stelios Scholarship has been improving access to a world- class education for students from the UK, Greece, Cyprus and other European countries at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

In celebrating this remarkable milestone, we at LSE are proud to recognise Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou's friendship and all that he and the Stelios Philanthropic Fund have done to shape the lives of our incredible community of Stelios Scholars, who have in turn gone on to shape the world.

A message from Professor Larry Kramer

On behalf of the School, I would like to express my profound gratitude to Sir Stelios for his pivotal, far-reaching support over the past two decades.

Stelios has been a visionary philanthropist and steadfast champion of talented young people – a model alumnus and benefactor of LSE. I extend my whole-hearted congratulations to him and everyone at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for this extraordinary and impactful charitable achievement.

The LSE Stelios Scholarship has created and sustained a pipeline of future leaders, helping talented students from the UK, Greece, Cyprus and other European countries access a life-changing LSE education regardless of their financial background. The numbers associated with the scholarship tell the story: over 20 years – and counting – more than £3.5 million has been awarded to change more than 140 lives directly and countless more through the work and achievements of this remarkable cohort. The community of Stelios Scholars - many of whom maintain lifelong connections with each other as well as with Stelios - sets this scholarship apart, not just at LSE but across the UK.

Stelios's vision to create new futures for our students, and his commitment to seeing that happen, have never faltered. Nor has our commitment to working with him to realise that vision. We look forward to continuing to grow and deepen our partnership in the years to come. Together, we can shape the world for the better.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Larry Kramer
President and Vice-Chancellor
London School of Economics and Political Science

Among the LSE Stelios Scholars are those have gone on to do great things in their careers, lead fulfilling family lives and, in some cases, realise their own vision for doing good in the world through charitable giving.

They have taken many different paths since their graduation, pursuing careers in education, finance, media, marketing, public service and so many other sectors. It is clear that, however their lives today may differ, they are united in the appreciation that they were able to take their first steps on these paths because of the chance you gave them.

They will always be ‘Stelios Scholars’.

The ‘Stelios Scholars’ have flourished in their careers following their time at LSE.

The majority have pursued employment in the accounting, banking or finance sector, or within business, consultancy and management, whilst numerous others have explored a wider variety of sectors.

The valuable support they gained from the LSE Stelios Scholarship has undoubtedly helped them progress with their successful careers.

12 ambitious ‘Stelios Scholars’ have progressed successfully in their careers to secure leadership roles in a variety of organisations.

2 Stelios Scholars have volunteered for LSE.

19 Stelios Scolars have donated to LSE.

40 former ‘Stelios Scholars’ have gone on to gain impressive further education qualifications following their undergraduate degree at LSE.

28 have done a master’s, six undertook law or accountant qualifications, and six have successfully completed a PhD.

20 years of the LSE Stelios Scholarship: a look back through time

The outstanding charitable achievements made possible through the LSE Stelios Scholarship have coincided with many memorable moments in history during the past 20 years.

Reflecting on these impactful worldwide events, medical and technological innovations, and philanthropic accomplishments – set against major milestones for the LSE Stelios Scholarship – from the past two decades helps to contextualise the significance of the scholarship’s lifespan.

1987: Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou graduates from LSE with a BSc in Econ Industry & Trade

2004: LSE Stelios Scholarship established.

2005: First ten Stelios Scholarships awarded.

The Live 8 concerts take place throughout the world for the Make Poverty History campaign.

2006: The social network Twitter is launched, changing the future of online communication

2007: US technology company Apple debuts the iPhone.

2008: Farewell reception for the first graduating cohort of Stelios Scholars.

2009: Captain Chesley Sullenburger emergency lands an airliner on New York’s Hudson River.

2010: Bill & Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett launch The Giving Pledge.

2012: London hosts the Summer Olympic Games

2013: 50th Stelios Scholar graduates from LSE.

2014: Ice Bucket Challenge raises millions for ALS research.

2015: Nearly 200 countries commit to Paris Climate Agreement – a legally binding international treaty on climate change.

2016: Former LSE Stelios Scholar Manuel Stotz establishes the Pass the Torch Scholarship at LSE.

2017: Sir Stelios joins The Giving Pledge.

2018: 100th Stelios Scholar graduates from LSE.

2019: Scientists reveal the first photo of a black hole.

2020: First COVID-19 lockdown in the UK.

2022: James Webb Space Telescope takes its first images of deep space.

2023: Coronation of HM King Charles III.

2024: LSE Stelios Scholarship celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Reflections from the LSE Stelios Scholars

Those best placed to share stories of the impact of this scholarship and the support of Sir Stelios are the LSE Stelios Scholars who have benefited from it firsthand.

The scholars were delighted to speak to us about the ways in which the LSE Stelios Scholarship changed their experience at LSE for the better, and to offer their personal congratulations on its 20th anniversary.

Manuel Stotz

BSc Economics 2008

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support [Sir Stelios] provided that made my LSE education possible. It truly transformed my life in profound ways, both professionally and personally.

Thanks to [his] generosity, I was able to pursue my studies, which led me to start my own investment firm—a dream I never thought I could achieve.

Kasia Krajniewska

BSc Economics 2009

The Stelios Scholarship has been a life-changing opportunity for me. After graduating from LSE, I pursued an academic career and now work as an Undergraduate Tutor at the LSE Department of Economics.

Teaching, mentoring, and supervising students, including younger Stelios Scholars, has been incredibly rewarding. I focus on inclusive, personalised education and supporting students in every way possible, including their mental health and wellbeing. As a qualified coach with extra training in neurodiversity and trauma, I aim to offer tailored support to all my students ...

The scholarship didn’t just change my life, it set me on a path where I now have the privilege of impacting others. I’m proud to give back by guiding students as they discover their goals, passions, and true selves.

Yvonne Choi

BSc Economics 2009

After graduating from LSE in 2009, I entered the world of wealth management and have built my career at one of the largest banks in the sector. I have fond memories of my time at LSE – it was a truly unique experience to study at one of the world’s leading universities, situated right in the heart of London.

The scholarship I received from Stelios enabled me to focus entirely on my studies without the burden of financial concerns, instilling in me the confidence to reach my full potential. Both my Economics degree from LSE and the Stelios Scholarship have served as a mark of distinction. I often reflect on my university years and feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the Stelios Scholarship network.

Dimos Anagnostopoulos

BSc Environmental Policy and Economics 2010

After graduating from LSE, I had a strong passion for economics and this motivated me to deepen my understanding, so I went on to do a master’s in economics at Tufts in Boston. There I focused on using data analysis and models to explore data and then I translated that into machine learning and AI at Harvard Extension School ...

Having seen economies such as Boston grow due to their technical capabilities, I thought that I should come back to Greece and share these capabilities to help the Greek economy grow too. As such, I moved back and joined Danaos Management Consultants, a Greek software company that specialises in maritime and shipping vertical integration and have been there for over four years ...

The responsibility I felt to give back was inspired by Stelios’s commitment to give something back in the form of scholarships. I want to thank Stelios for the opportunity to begin my career at such a prestigious university, which has opened so many doors for me, and also for keeping in touch and continuing the support.

Gaurang Pipalia

BSc Mathematics 2011

The scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies without having to worry about money and consequently I did not have to work a part-time job. Receiving the scholarship has always filled me with confidence and pride despite coming from a low socio-economic background. Furthermore, for me, it has cemented the value of giving back and supporting charitable initiatives; I continue to donate to various initiatives every year, some of which involve sponsoring a child’s education.

Thank you, Sir Stelios and the whole Foundation! I really appreciate not only your financial support, but also the community and network that you have continued to provide. I have met many inspiring scholars and staff through your excellent organisation of events and support.

Mamun Hassan

BSc Economics 2013

My experience at LSE, particularly in the BSc Economics course, was transformative. I found it fascinating to explore various economic models and their implications for society and our future economy. The friendships I formed during this time remain invaluable, and many of those friends continue to be significant in my life.

Since graduating in 2013, I have worked at Macquarie Bank as an Agricultural Commodities trader and was recently promoted to Managing Director. My role involves trading cocoa and coffee and managing derivative risks. I am also passionate about promoting social mobility in our office. This year, I became the sponsor of our Rise to It scholarship programme, which provides three lower socio-economic students with scholarships, internships, and guaranteed graduate positions. I hope to continue the important work of the Stelios Foundation in this capacity.

Thank you once again for your support, which has had a lasting impact on my life and career. I wish the Foundation and Sir Stelios continued success.

Aadeel Sakhardar

BSc Accounting and Finance 2014

Being a graduate of LSE has helped open doors for my career since graduation. I am currently working for KPMG as a Financial Crime Consultant, operating on engagements to ensure clients maintain and comply with Anti Money Laundering regulations. It’s certainly an interesting field with an ever-changing landscape.

It’s a wonderful thought to comprehend the butterfly effect of being offered the scholarship and the avenues that opened up for me beyond this. I am deeply grateful for the award and for your acts of kindness in enabling students to fulfil their true potential through the scheme.

Rimgaudas Stundžia

BSc Environmental Policy with Economics 2016

Since returning home [to Lithuania], I’ve taken a new direction in my career by pursuing trading, an exciting and challenging path. Alongside this, I’ve been attending a voluntary Junior Officer Command Training course, fulfilling a personal interest in military service ...

None of this would have been possible without the Stelios Scholarship. When I reflect on the opportunities I’ve had, I’m reminded that whilst growing up in Lithuania, studying at an institution like LSE felt like a distant dream. The financial support from the Stelios Scholarship made that dream a reality, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful.

Cristina Campo

BSc Social Policy and Economics 2018

It’s hard to believe that six years have passed since I graduated from LSE. I still vividly recall my first day on campus, where I was struck by the perfect blend of historic and modern architecture and the strong sense of community, all within the hustle and bustle of central London. The bonds I forged with both my peers and professors remain strong to this day, and I cherish those relationships deeply.

Looking back, I can confidently say that the education and experience I gained at LSE played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Stelios Scholarship. I want to take this opportunity to thank Sir Stelios and the Foundation for the lasting impact they’ve made on my life and on the lives of so many young people.

Aris Paraskevopoulos

BSc Actuarial Science 2019

The day I received my Scholarship Letter, 18 Aug 2016, remains the happiest, most memorable and most transformative single day of my life. I remain grateful.

Since graduating, I have been fortunate to pursue a fulfilling career, working as a Consultant, Senior Consultant & Manager at Deloitte and Wavestone, while I recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). The skills and experiences gained at LSE have been instrumental in my professional growth and success. In the near future, I am looking to pursue an MBA and pivot towards a career in Private Equity ...

Thank you, Sir Stelios, for your unwavering commitment to education and the opportunities you have provided to scholars like me.

Anna Mallioti

BSc Accounting and Finance 2020

The [LSE Stelios Scholarship] lifted financial constraints, enabling me to fully engage with LSE’s vast academic resources without the need for part-time work. It allowed me to embrace life at LSE, socialise and overcome challenges.

Today, I am a bunker trader at a multi-national company that supplies fuel to ships across the Eastern Mediterranean. This specialised role blends my interests in shipping and the commodities market. Previously, I worked at Deloitte London in audit, where I gained valuable insights but realised it was not my long-term path.

I am profoundly grateful to Sir Stelios, whose generosity has made students’ dreams a reality.

Rushil Purohit

BSc Economics 2023

[The LSE Stelios Scholarship] profoundly impacted my life, allowing me to fully engage with being at and make the most of my time at LSE. It enabled me to live in student halls, foster my independence and carve my own path. Beyond that, it also helped me fulfil a childhood dream of traveling after graduation. I spent the first four months exploring Europe and I am now working in a finance role; it has been incredibly rewarding to apply the knowledge I gained from my three years at LSE.

Overall, my LSE journey would not have been the same without the Stelios Scholarship. I am deeply grateful to Sir Stelios for this incredible opportunity that has truly shaped my academic and personal growth.

Eliza Pantelidou

BSc Finance 2024

Being a student at LSE taught me invaluable lessons in both life and academics, for which I am incredibly thankful. Thanks to your scholarship, I had the chance to make lifelong friends from different parts of the world. Additionally, I had the privilege of being taught by internationally recognised professors. This year, in particular, I was fortunate to be taught by the outstanding Greek professor, Dr Dimitris Vayanos. One of the most fascinating aspects of his course was reading his published papers. As a native Greek speaker, I found it easier to build a friendly relationship with him, which deepened my interest in the course material and his research.

I would like to thank [Sir Stelios] once again for [this] generous scholarship, which enabled me to pursue my academic goals. I also extend my gratitude to the entire team at the Stelios Foundation for staying engaged with all the scholars and organising events for us. I hope that one day I will be in a position to give back what [they] have given me, as this is the least I can do in return for the future and opportunities your generosity has provided.

Moinidh Jaswal

BSc Economics 2024

I’m incredibly grateful to Sir Stelios and the Foundation for the profound impact the scholarship has had on my life. It allowed me to study at LSE without the heavy financial burden that could have limited my potential and aspirations. The scholarship gave me the freedom to focus on my studies, live in London, and fully embrace opportunities that have shaped both my personal and professional development. It has been instrumental in helping me reach my full potential and get to where I am today.

Since graduating, I’ve joined Evercore as an off- cycle investment banking analyst—securing a role at one of the most prestigious boutique investment banks is truly a dream come true. This wouldn’t have been possible without the scholarship, which enabled me to excel at LSE and build the foundation for a successful career in a highly competitive industry.

This scholarship didn’t just relieve financial stress—it opened doors I never imagined and helped me grow in incredible ways... [Sr Stelios's] generosity has changed my life, and I’ll carry this gratitude with me as I continue to grow in my career.

Manuel Stotz and the Pass the Torch Scholarship

As the words of these Stelios Scholars so clearly demonstrate, the generosity of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has been far reaching and life changing for so many students who dreamed of accessing a world class LSE education, just as Sir Stelios himself did. The LSE Stelios Scholarship has provided the opportunity to make those dreams a reality for so many who otherwise may not have had the means to do so. One of these scholars was Manuel Stotz (BSc Economics 2008).

After graduating from LSE, Manuel held his time at LSE close to his heart, even naming his investment firm Kingsway Capital in honour of the School. When speaking at a Scholars’ event, Manuel reflected on the impact of Sir Stelios's belief in him when championing his education at LSE, sharing “I can’t stress enough how the scholarship support from Stelios and the ability to study at the LSE have radically changed my life... I am forever grateful for his generous support”.

Deeply inspired by his experiences at LSE and of the generosity shown to him and so many others, Manuel felt a strong sense of responsibility to pass on the advantage of an LSE education to the next generation.

Driven to create the same opportunities that had shaped his future, Manuel knew that it wasn’t a question of if, but when, he would launch his own philanthropic commitment to the School – setting the ambitious goal of doing so within ten years of graduating.

In 2016, only eight years after he left LSE, Manuel achieved this by establishing the Pass the Torch Scholarship with fellow alumnus Ian Osborne (MSc Media and Communications 2007). A fundamental aspect of the Pass the Torch Scholarship was that it would be a fund that could engage and inspire other alumni to join and pay forward and promote a virtuous cycle of peer giving. In this Manuel was also successful, and the scholarship has now been funded by four generous LSE alumni.

Manuel’s firm dedication to passing on the advantages he feels he was offered by the LSE Stelios Scholarship has ensured that the Pass the Torch Scholarship has gone from strength to strength. In 2022, Manuel became the youngest member of LSE Benefactors, a group created to recognise individuals and organisations, like Sir Stelios, whose transformational gifts have shaped the LSE community and our impact on wider society. To date, the Pass the Torch Scholarship has supported 22 UK and European students with three further beneficiaries enrolling this academic year.

Manuel and the Pass the Torch Scholarship are a shining example of the powerful - indeed, life-changing - ripple effects that can be born out of a vision like the one we share: to create a better world for others in the hope that they might someday be able to do the same.