The University of Westminster marked the end of its 175th year anniversary celebrations with a ceremony at Westminster Abbey on 30 January 2014, conducted by The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, and attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Sarah Richardson.
Baroness Catherine Cox, University of Westminster alumna*, addressed attendees which included members of the Court of Governors, academics, staff and students, highlighting her personal experience of teaching and learning, her appreciation for the time she spent at the University and the rich history of the institution.
The University of Westminster was founded as Britain's first polytechnic in 1838 to demonstrate how new technological innovations could be used to improve people’s lives. Quintin Hogg re-founded the Regent Street Polytechnic in 1882 to promote a broad education for all and this marked the beginning of the University’s modern history, adding a new model of evening and daytime study while providing educational, sporting, and social facilities for working adults. The University was honoured by the Royal Patronage of Prince Albert from 1841 and Her Majesty The Queen continues to be its Patron.
Today it offers in excess of 250 courses providing a vast portfolio of teaching and learning opportunities to a thriving community of more than 20,000 students from over 150 nations who are undertaking a range of undergraduate, masters, research degrees, professional programmes and short courses. The University of Westminster is also recognised as one of the top 20 Universities in the world**.
Professor Geoffrey Petts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster, says: “The ceremony was the perfect way to celebrate our rich history at the heart of London. Over the last 175 years, the University of Westminster has evolved and adapted to changing needs and our students come from all over the world to study with us in the centre of this vibrant city.
“Our students can benefit from our prominent position in the centre of London and our connections in many industry fields, from fashion and art to music and media, from engineering and technology to life sciences, as well as with high profile links that we have established with firms such as Volvo, ASOS, Defra, and The Ministry of Defence. We are also proud to count Sir Alexander Fleming, attorney general Dominic Grieve, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, and film director Asif Kapadia among our alumni.
“At the University of Westminster, we provide a diverse, vibrant and inspirational learning environment based on student-centered active learning, innovation and creativity in all fields of study.”
As part of the ceremony, the Polyphonics, the University of Westminster Students’ Union Choral Society, sang hymns together with the Centre for Commercial Music, Ibstock Place School, Broomfield House School, and associated colleges.
* Baroness Cox was awarded the Robert Mitchell trophy for best academic achievement in the Regent Street Polytechnic in1966 and obtained a first class BA in sociology from the University of Westminster in 1967.
** Source: QS Worldwide University Rankings
