Each year, the School of Business offers a limited number of fully funded places on its postgraduate management programmes to our players. Our athletes study alongside students from around the world, bringing discipline, leadership, and real-world experience into the classroom. In return, they receive the full support of the School and access to the University’s facilities, all while continuing to play professional hockey at the highest level in the UK.
Brendan Harms, a recent graduate from the School of Business, said: “Without the established relationship between these two organisations, I wouldn’t have been afforded this opportunity. The skills I have learned and the relationships I have made will influence both my personal and professional life moving forward. I have been fortunate to play professional hockey as long as I have and with this degree from the University of Dundee, I feel better equipped and ready for my future after hockey.”
The partnership is more than just a scholarship – it’s a dynamic collaboration that we have been proud to be a part of, with our growing community of alumni being involved in postgraduate teaching, live business projects, and dissertation opportunities.
Dr Lissa Monk, of the School of Business commented on the continuation of the partnership:
“Our relationship with the Dundee Stars is a fantastic way for the School of Business to engage with the local community while enriching the experience for our students, by offering free places on our programmes. This direct support helps the Stars attract talented players, leading to more exciting games for the Dundee fans. For the School, these dedicated athletes also bring a unique dynamic to our courses – their discipline and commitment inspire their peers and offer valuable real-world perspectives within their academic studies.”
Marc LeFebvre, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, also shared:
“Our partnership with the University of Dundee has been paramount in recruiting quality players and people to the city and our organisation. It has been a tremendous partnership to be a part of, and we look forward to continuing it and bolstering our relationship with the University”.
Former Star and University of Dundee alumnus Anthony Rinaldi graduated with his postgraduate degree from the School after completing his undergraduate degree at Union College in Schenectady, New York. Anthony had this to share on his experience in Dundee:
“Studying the MSc in Finance and Management at the University of Dundee while playing professional hockey was a unique and incredibly rewarding experience. The scholarship gave me the opportunity to pursue a degree that will support my future after sport — something I’ve always wanted to do. Balancing a full-time hockey career with academic work in areas like corporate finance, strategic management, and global risk analysis wasn’t easy, but having developed those skills during undergrad, I knew the commitment it would take. I’m grateful for the chance to grow off the ice, and it’s rare to find a programme that supports athletes at this level. This opportunity meant a lot to me and will play a big role in my transition after hockey.”
This partnership reflects the University of Dundee’s mission to transform lives, locally and globally – offering our top-level professional athletes a unique opportunity to pursue a world-class education, while bringing global perspectives and local connections into the heart of our city, fostering the growing dynamic culture in Dundee.
