Birkbeck’s role in London’s post-Olympic Legacy
Extraordinary stories of lives transformed by part-time study were shared at a special event about Birkbeck in East London...
Extraordinary stories of lives transformed by part-time study were shared at a special event about the expansion of Birkbeck’s activities in East London.
Birkbeck alumni spoke in moving ways about the pride and opportunities created by their qualifications during the evening at Mansion House in the City of London. They also praised the College’s widening participation efforts in Stratford, which centre upon the construction of a major new campus to be completed next year.
Alumni perspectives: Changing careers
At yesterday's event for Birkbeck’s alumni, supporters and stakeholders, Sarah Weir described how her return to education enabled her to pursue her ambitions. Having left school at 16, she faced “great trepidation” about starting university aged 32, but was eager to embark on a new career following her work at Lloyd’s insurance market, where she rose to become the first female managing director.
Weir completed her BA in History of Art in 1997, and this enabled her to forge a new career in the arts. Jobs at the Royal Academy, Almeida Theatre and Arts Council England followed. She is now the CEO of The Legacy List, a charity set up in 2011 to support the long-term social, cultural and physical regeneration of the Olympic Park and its surroundings. There will be 40 permanent commissions integrating art, culture, and education in the area as part of the charity’s work. Weir said: “Getting my degree was the proudest moment of my life. Somebody took a chance with me, and that is what Birkbeck can do. Birkbeck has given me everything. I re-made my career in the arts and I have supported Birkbeck since then.”
Pursuing dreams
Kirstein Gourlay also spoke about how Birkbeck gave her a “second chance” to fulfil her “dream.” She gained a Distinction for her Certificate of Higher Education in Social Policy and the Care Sector, and is using her newfound confidence and skills to become involved in local politics, including her neighbourhood’s Community Based Housing Association. Gourlay, a recipient of a Birkbeck Stratford bursary, also praised the financial and practical support provided by the College to enable her to complete the course. She said: “It does not matter how much life can change you. Birkbeck gave me the chance to build myself back up again. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support.”
Sajjad Rashid explained how his MSc in Financial Economics was “inspiring” and provided him with a broad base of knowledge, particularly regarding international finance. The son of a welder is now the Chief Operating Officer at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He said: “Birkbeck really helped me in my career. I would encourage you to continue your links [with Birkbeck].”
Birkbeck’s activities in Stratford
Professor David Latchman CBE, Master of Birkbeck, outlined the past, present and future of Birkbeck’s activities in Stratford. He mentioned the surge in applications from East London since teaching began in Stratford in 2007, and highlighted the long-term impact of the new University Square Stratford campus, due to open in the autumn of 2013. He said: “We believe that Birkbeck is leading the way to help people fulfil their ambitions.”
Harvey McGrath, Chair of Governors at Birkbeck, described developments in Stratford as the “next chapter” in the College’s history. He spoke of how education can “transform lives”, and the importance of improving access to education, especially because of “real inequality” in London. McGrath added: “Birkbeck has a core mission, which is the education and welfare of working Londoners. The offer is more valuable and important today than it has ever been.”
Birkbeck’s commitment to East London preceded the regeneration linked to this summer’s Olympic Games, and the educational legacy of the new University Square Stratford campus will extend far beyond London 2012. The new building is a pioneering joint venture with the University of East London, and will allow Birkbeck student numbers in Stratford, currently around 1,000, to increase to more than 3,400. Facilities will include a dynamic Learning Centre, performing arts rehearsal and theatre space, student support centre, and 300-seat lecture theatre.
The event at Mansion House was kindly hosted by The Lady Mayoress, Liz Wootton. Her husband The Lord Mayor of the City of London, David Wootton, is Vice-president of Birkbeck and was overseas on a business trip.