Vivien Walton

A legacy

Vivien Walton (1938-2019) decided to come to university later in life to study Combined Studies BA (1991) at Kingston. She knew she would learn more about her chosen subject areas, but she also described the experience as ‘an awakening', in finding new causes, passions, and helping transform of her world view. Completing the degree part-time, while also juggling a busy teaching career that saw her as acting Head in various Junior schools, Vivien was able to see the unfairness of the world for young people if you do not have financial capital or connections behind you. She wanted to use her gift in her will to gift to help future Kingston students take on the world and deliver the change they want to see by supporting the Student Hardship Fund.

Her gift to Kingston University came into effect after Vivien's husband Graham Walton also passed away.

Nearly 100 Kingston students have received financial support, at the time of their greatest need, because of this kind and simple gesture. The average student hardship grant of £500 makes a significant difference to students. It means that students can overcome financial obstacles that previously appeared insurmountable, keep them on their path to graduation and deliver the change they want to see in the world.

Thank you to Graham and Vivien Walton for the difference they have made to Kingston students and their futures.

Vivien also studied English Literature and Sociology BA (1998) at Kingston.