Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning speaks at Foundation Dinner
01 February 2012
On 31 January 2012, Birkbeck welcomed John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, as guest speaker at the College’s annual Foundation Dinner.
The Foundation Dinner is held in honour of Dr George Birkbeck, who, in 1823, launched the Mechanics’ Institution (which later became Birkbeck College) at the Crown and Anchor Tavern on the Strand, with the aim of making education accessible to working Londoners. The dinner was hosted by the current Master, Professor David Latchman CBE, and attended by the College’s President, Professor Eric Hobsbawm, as well as by Governors and friends.
John Hayes delivered an inspiring speech about the role that higher education can play in social mobility, social inclusion and social justice and commended Birkbeck for its contribution to making higher education accessible to everyone, a mission which the College has maintained since its launch 189 years ago.
Discover more about Birkbeck's history.
