A former factory worker and an aspiring West End performer have been awarded the inaugural Van Morrison Scholarship to support their music studies at Queen’s University Belfast. The recipients, David Cassidy, 50, from Portadown, and Cara Linden, 18, from West Belfast, will each receive fully funded scholarships covering tuition fees and living expenses for their three-year music degrees.
Both students’ journeys to higher education underscore their passion for music. David, who left school at 16 with only one GCSE, struggled to balance his love for music with academic commitments. Over the years, he played in various bands and co-founded the group Million Dollar Reload. Despite setbacks, he spent time working in factories while continuing to pursue his passion for music.
Reflecting on his path, David shared, “I always regretted failing in education, so I attended a tour of Queen’s University in 2023 and that then became my goal: I was going to study music at Queen’s. I worked hard for two years in Lisburn College, got my diploma and here I am.” He expressed his gratitude for the scholarship, stating it allows him to focus on his goals: “Music is my passion. It has always been my life… I am also writing my first ever solo album at present.”
Cara, who recently completed her A Levels at St Dominic’s Grammar School, aims to shine on the West End while also delving into musical directing and production. She described Queen’s as an inspiring environment that merges academic excellence with creativity. “Belfast’s growing arts scene is full of homegrown talent and opportunity,” she noted. “Receiving the Van Morrison Music Scholarship is an incredible honour that supports me in continuing to grow as a performer.”
The announcement of the scholarship recipients was made by Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. He expressed enthusiasm for the scholarship’s potential, stating, “The Van Morrison Scholarship represents an investment in talent, providing two gifted musicians with the support to turn their big ambitions into a reality. We are incredibly grateful for the support of one of the world’s most successful musicians and hope that his achievements will inspire our students.”
This initiative not only highlights the transformative power of education but also reflects the rich musical heritage of Belfast. As David and Cara embark on their academic journeys, they exemplify the spirit of determination and creativity that the scholarship aims to foster.
