Shackleton rescue centenary inspires Cass's Extraordinary Leaders Scholarship
The story of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his courageous rescue of the Endurance mission has many dramatic twists and turns. But what most shines through this inspirational tale is his extraordinary leadership. Tuesday 30 August 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of Shackleton’s dramatic rescue of his Endurance crewmates from Elephant Island, off the coast of Antarctica.
In August 1914, Shackleton – an experienced explorer - launched the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition – a cross-continent trek. Six months later, the expedition ship Endurance had become trapped in the Antarctic ice, where it remained for 10 months. By 1916, Shackleton and his men were forced to abandon ship. They spent the next six months camping on an ice flow, eating penguins, seals and, eventually, their dogs.
By April, things were becoming desperate. After the ice floe splintered, Shackleton decided the crew should use their lifeboats to head for land. He guided his crew to Elephant Island. Two weeks later he left his trusted colleague Frank Wild in charge, and set to sea again navigating dangerous waters to South Georgia. It took 16 days and after landing Shackleton and 5 crew crossed a mountain range to reach a whaling station where they sought help
On 30 August 1916, Shackleton returned to Elephant Island to rescue his 22 remaining men. By then, they had been stranded for 105 days. Not a man was lost.
Dr Sionade Robinson, Associate Dean of MBA Programme, said: “Shackleton’s story of leadership, resilience and determination inspires us to seek ways of supporting determined individuals with extraordinary leadership potential. That’s where an MBA Scholarship can help. On the centenary of his rescue of his men, we would like to celebrate Shackleton’s achievements by launching a scholarship for extraordinary leaders.
“The Cass Extraordinary Leaders scholarship will be available this September to MBA applicants for our 2017 intake. It will be open to talented students who demonstrate the passion and drive to lead and make a positive impact – much like Shackleton did 100 years ago.”
For more details about this or our MBA programmes and scholarship funding contact our MBA recruitment team:
T: +44 (0) 207 040 0286