Ukrainian hotel worker thanks University for ‘golden opportunity’ after being gifted a scholarship 

A Ukrainian refugee living and working in York says she’s excited at the prospect of continuing her studies after being offered a scholarship at York St John University. Mariana Kachun was studying nursing in Ukraine before the conflict, but her former university has since been destroyed by bombing.  

Mariana has been working in hospitality since moving to the UK and is currently Chef de Rang at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa. She collected gold in the Rising Star category at the inaugural HAY Hospitality Awards on Thursday 5 September. 

When she was presented with the award, Dr Brendan Paddison, Interim Dean of York Business School and one of the award judges, joined her on stage and told her that she was being gifted a scholarship from York St John University.  

Significant sacrifices 

Mariana’s award application had moved the judges with details of how she had sought refuge in the UK after escaping the Ukrainian war. She had been hoping to return to Ukraine and pick up her studies, but her university is one of many in the country that has been destroyed in the war. The panel wanted to reward the remarkable journey Mariana has been on so Dr Paddison put forward her case for a scholarship at York St John. 

Dr Paddison explained why this was so important: “As a judging panel, we were incredibly moved by Mariana's story. Mariana has had to make significant sacrifices because of the war in Ukraine. During the judging process we learned that Mariana was halfway through her degree when her university was bombed.   

“At York St John University, we believe in the transformational potential of education and our ethos is built on providing access to educational opportunities.   

“We are delighted to offer Mariana the opportunity to join York St John University to complete her degree studies.”   

Dr Rob Hickey, Chief Operating Officer of York St John University said: “As a University of Sanctuary, York St John is committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers. We seek to be a place of safety and welcome where anyone can pursue their right to education.  

“After hearing Mariana’s story we were proud to offer her a scholarship to continue her learning with us. We look forward to opening our doors to her and welcoming her into the York St John community.” 

Lionel Chatard, Director & General Manager at Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa submitted the nomination form for Mariana and said: “The inaugural HAY awards ceremony was a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many talented people who form our teams and the positive impact they have on the success of our businesses.  

“Not only are we thrilled and proud of Mariana receiving a gold award, but we are very moved by the kindness and generosity displayed by York St John University represented by Brendan Paddison in granting her a scholarship.   

“Mariana is a true ‘rising star’ and we couldn’t be more proud, watching her shine and progress her life goals and passion.” 

Golden opportunity 

Marianna said the ceremony was very emotional for her:  

“I was pleased to watch my colleagues from Middlethorpe Hall and many others working within the hospitality industry, be recognised and receive awards for their hard work and passion.  

“I was personally thrilled to be awarded the ‘rising star’ award and I am grateful to the team for their continued training and support since I joined Middlethorpe Hall, after I was evacuated from Ukraine at the time of the Russian invasion.  

“Earlier this year I was shocked to be informed that the university I was intending to return to had been bombed and I was heartbroken that I would not be able to continue my studies.  

“I therefore would like to express my gratitude to Brendan Paddison and to York St John University for the golden opportunity and generous gesture of a scholarship. I am very excited at the prospect and look forward to resuming my studies as I intended to, but in a different country.”