How donors are inspired by the transformative power of the Foundation Year

"Going to university myself from a working-class background was a close-run thing - it changed my life,” says Larry Sullivan, former Chair and Co-founder of Construction Industry Solutions (COINS). 

Now Larry is helping other youngsters use education to unlock their opportunities and build a brighter future.  

The serial entrepreneur and angel investor has donated transformative funds, alongside former COINS CEO Robert Brown, as part of the Leo Lion Foundation to help students on Warwick Business School’s Foundation Year, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. 

It is part of more than £1.5 million raised by donors to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds - such as those from areas with high levels of deprivation, or have refugee status, are eligible for free school meals, or estranged from both their parents. It gives them an accessible pathway onto a degree at one of the top business schools in Europe. 

The Foundation Year programme offers under-represented groups the opportunity to access a Russell Group university education, with the £5,670 fee fully funded by a 100 per cent scholarship, and if they pass – which the majority do – they are guaranteed a place on a WBS Undergraduate course.  

After starting his entrepreneurial career selling ice cream as a student in Chicago, Larry then set-up six niche software companies as well as COINS, a multinational software provider for the construction industry. 

Larry’s journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur underscores the transformative power of education and why the Leo Lion Foundation advocates social enterprises and business being a force for societal good. 

“I'm proud to be associated with the Foundation Year programme,” says Larry, who was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Warwick in 2017. “And proud to help shape the next generation of business leaders to think about their social contribution. 

“I would like to see higher education place more emphasis on values and ethics in business. We need a corporate culture rooted in innovation, fairness, integrity, and diversity.” 

Larry believes that instilling these values in students is crucial for nurturing responsible leaders who can drive positive change in the business world. 

His connection to WBS is deeply personal. Larry recalls how his time at university introduced him to the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC), an organisation that helped him secure a summer job in the US at the age of 19. This experience was a turning point, broadening his horizons and shaping his future.  

Larry and his Leo Lion Foundation partner Robert have been instrumental in the annual Future of Capitalism competition held at WBS London at The Shard. Robert, is also a chair of four businesses and a board trustee for two other charities, including Habitat for Humanity - which helps economically disadvantaged families build and improve places to call home.  

Robert, who was also the first member in his family to attend university, is a passionate advocate of the transformational nature of education and believes a good education should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford to pay for it.  

Robert, who has helped Foundation Year students with several guest lectures, says: “A good education has always been one of the primary differentiators that sustains the divide between rich and poor in society and it’s important that we do all that we can to help the many talented people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get the best education possible.” 

"The generosity of Robert and Larry is amazing and typical of the many donors involved in the success of the Foundation Year," says Andy Lockett, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Dean of WBS. 

“At Warwick Business School, we're not just building business leaders, we're developing Change Makers.  

“The Foundation Year, powered by the incredible generosity of donors and aligned with our Change Maker ethos, is a testament to our commitment to unlocking potential and driving social mobility. It’s about creating opportunities where they might not otherwise exist, and empowering individuals to transform their lives and communities. 

“Without our donors we would not be able to empower the lives of so many Foundation Year students - we are incredibly grateful.” 

Danny Barnett, who is based in New York as Vice President of Emerging Technology Engineer at IBM, where he has worked for 23 years, is another generous donor whose support is instrumental in the success of the Foundation Year. 

"I’m a firm believer in the value of education and the skills that it gives you to learn later in life,” says Danny, who gained a distinction for his Global Online MBA at WBS. “If you don’t learn how to learn, you’re setting yourself at a disadvantage to others. It doesn’t really matter what you learn, so long as you get the space and time to learn something. A university education is a wonderful opportunity that should be open to all. 

"I have two family members who both went to college later, my sister and my nephew. Both took advantage of foundational years to get them into the practice of being a student. Without that foundational year, I don’t believe they would have had the opportunity to gain their degrees and experience those special three to four years of being full-time students.” 

The Foundation Year equips students with essential academic skills and knowledge to succeed in higher education and beyond. The programme covers a broad range of subjects, including business, economics, and quantitative methods, while also emphasising critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication.  

Students gain a solid understanding of core business principles and are introduced to the cultural and social aspects of university life, helping them to transition smoothly into their Undergraduate studies. Additionally, the programme fosters personal development, encouraging students to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. 

Over its 10 years, the WBS programme has seen remarkable results with 63 per cent of students going on to gain a 2.1 or First in their Undergraduate degree and making incredible progress to close the gap on their peers, many of who have come from some of the top schools in the UK and overseas.  

On average Foundation Year students come to WBS with UCAS entry tariff points 44 per cent lower than direct entry undergraduates. But by the end of their degree, they have closed the gap with Foundation Year undergraduate marks on average just 11 per cent lower than their direct entry classmates. 

Danny adds: "I really hope the Foundation Year will set them up to be successful undergraduates. It may be unfashionable to say at the moment - I am based in the US - but I love the way that the course supports under-represented students. 

“I had a great introduction to the Foundation Year from two current students, Vivek and Arjun, who spoke very enthusiastically about how the course had helped set them on their academic career. I was very inspired by their passion for learning and readiness to take advantage of the opportunity the Foundation Year offers.” 

Another cornerstone of the Foundation Year is the Lion Rock scholarship, established by a married couple living in Hong Kong who met on the Warwick campus.  

The anonymous donors have been pivotal in recruiting more students each year, enabling more disadvantaged youngsters to pursue their dreams at WBS, providing not only financial support but also a sense of belonging and encouragement.  

Daniel Burton-Morgan, who studied at WBS from 2003 to 2006, earning a First in BSc Management Science, has also played a crucial role in supporting the Foundation Year.  

As well as hosting a football tournament on campus for children with disabilities from a local school, his leadership roles, including captaining the University football team and sitting on the Business School Executive, taught him valuable lessons about teamwork, work ethic, and dedication.  

"Balancing my commitments and leading teams taught me a lot early on about things that have then been very important in my career since," he says. "I owe so much in my career and, frankly, broader life to my wonderfully positive experience at Warwick.”  

His gratitude for the opportunities he received at WBS drives his commitment to supporting current students. The Foundation Year, according to Daniel, is doing exceptional work in acclimatising students to university life. 

"It is not just about the financial support; it is about getting them used to some of the cultural aspects of university life that may seem new," he says.  

There are also opportunities for Foundation Year students to set up their own business, with the School’s Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme aimed at supporting those from under-represented backgrounds with entrepreneurial ambitions.  

This scholarship was established five years ago, with the first recipient being a member of the Foundation Year cohort, thanks to the invaluable support of the Ajvir Singh Sandhu Leadership Foundation.  

Amrik and Nari Sandhu established the foundation to honour the memory of their son Ajvir, an RAF fast jet pilot who tragically lost his life in a flight accident. Their ambition is to empower young people to become the leaders of tomorrow, enabling them to reach their full potential. 

This is one of many opportunities at WBS and alongside a comprehensive support system, with the Foundation Year helping students navigate the challenges of higher education to be able to thrive in their academic pursuits. 

Through the generous contributions of donors, WBS continues to empower students and foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity.  

Their stories and unwavering support serve as an inspiration and are a reminder of the transformative power of education. 

Find out about more of our Change Makers at Warwick Business School.