(Originally posted 1 December 2013)
As a Senior Member in one of the University of London’s intercollegiate halls, I had the pleasure of being invited to celebrate the 177th anniversary of the University’s foundation at Senate House.
As Chancellor of the University of London, Princess Anne began the proceedings with a speech about the achievements of the University over the year, with a particular focus on the success of international programmes. As someone with a great interest in the future of academia, I get weirdly excited about news that the School of Advanced Studies has secured extra funding or that our MOOCs are a great success.
In the main event, honorary degrees were conferred upon four exceptional individuals: Camila Batmanghelidjh (the founder of Kids Company, whose work gives children in street gangs a chance to make something of their lives), Frank Gardener (BBC Security Correspondent who bravely continues to report after losing the use of his legs from being shot six times by terrorists), Hilary Mantel (the first double Booker Prize winning author) and Professor Sir John Savill (Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council). Though very different, each of their life stories were truly inspiring. In between the speeches, we all greatly enjoyed a musical interlude from extremely talented Goldsmith’s students.
The ceremony was followed by a lavish buffet, including sorbets made using liquid nitrogen, and a chance to meet the Princess. Overall, it was a wonderful evening, which left everyone feeling very proud to be part of such a venerated institution.
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