95. Birkbeck 200, Mansion House, 13 December 2023


I was honoured to be invited to attend Birkbeck’s 200 anniversary Foundation Day Dinner.  The Water Conservation Trust has been supporting students at Birkbeck, University of London, through a bursary and dissertation prize for two years.  This followed a recommendation to the Company from the now Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, who is Vice-President of Birkbeck.

Over 200 students, staff, Fellows, Governors, alumni and supporters joined HRH the Princess Royal, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, and Vice-Chancellor Professor David Latchman CBE in marking the occasion and highlighting all that Birkbeck has stood for.

Birkbeck has led the way in improving access to higher education and has created opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to transform their lives and the lives of others.  Birkbeck’s Vice-Chancellor gave examples of the commitment of young people in full time jobs also undertaking degree courses to improve themselves and their opportunities and contribution to society.  He also cited an example of a determined centenarian who registered for the third year of, and completed, a degree started many years before.  The Princess Royal who, as Chancellor of the University of London, highlighted Birkbeck’s trailblazing past and the achievements of prominent Birkbeck women including Rosalind Franklin, Lilian Penson and Helen Gwynne-Vaughan. She emphasised Birkbeck’s role in encouraging and supporting those communities underrepresented in UK Higher Education.  Each table was identified by a prominent leader in their profession and I was seated at the Marie Stopes table.  She once protested that “women high up in scientific positions … are shut out from the concourse of their intellectual fellows”.

I had some great conversations with Birkbeck colleagues round the table on the unique opportunities the college offers and whether it could be replicated elsewhere in the UK or internationally.  Conversation also turned to the role and profile of the Livery and how it could outreach to and welcome members of more diverse communities.  I emphasised our commitment to a diverse and sustainable environment and encouraged them to consider joining us.


Congratulations Birkbeck as you look forward to a third century of education available to all who want it.

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