The University has joined the people of Bath in paying tribute to one of the University’s most generous benefactors, Brian Roper, who died at the weekend.

Brian set up his company, Roper Rhodes Ltd, in Bath in 1979 and it is now the UK’s leading independent supplier of bathroom furniture and accessories and a major employer in the local area.

As Chairman of Roper Rhodes, Brian was very well known locally for his services to charity, for which he received an MBE in 2008.

In 2009, he was made an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, the second of his family to receive a University of Bath degree following his son, Mark, who gained a BSc in Economics & Politics in 1988.

His many gifts to the University have had wide-ranging benefits; his donations have funded TeamBath’s School Club programme for many years, involving thousands of local schoolchildren in various sporting activities, and supported the University’s Arts programme.

In addition, the Brian & Margaret Roper Scholarship Fund has to date funded 119 scholarships to enable students from low-income backgrounds from across the UK to study at the University.

Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Brian’s philanthropic support was truly exceptional and the benefits of his generosity have enriched the lives of thousands of young people.

“He was a warm, wonderful individual who took a personal interest in every scholar, often helping them in many other ways as well as financial. He will be sadly missed.”