University of London presents bicentennial commemorative scroll to Birkbeck
The scroll features a quote written in 1924 by former Prime Minister and Birkbeck alumnus, Ramsay MacDonald, which celebrates Birkbeck’s enduring mission and ethos of widening participation in higher education.
In 2023, Birkbeck marked its 200th anniversary by celebrating its remarkable history and the courage of its founders to open-up education to all, as well as the achievements and impact of its vibrant and diverse community.
To mark the bicentenary and its long and continued membership of the University of London, on Thursday 7 March, a commemorate scroll was unveiled and presented by Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, the University of London’s Vice-Chancellor, to Professor Sally Wheeler OBE, Birkbeck’s Vice-Chancellor at an event held in Birkbeck’s main Malet Street building.
Sally delivered a speech celebrating the past and looking ahead to the future, to an audience of staff and students from Birkbeck and the University of London. She spoke about how proud Birkbeck is to have been a member of the University of London for over 100 years, and shared how Birkbeck’s educational offer is evolving, “after 100 years of focusing almost exclusively on evening teaching, we’re beginning to offer day-time provision.” She also highlighted Birkbeck’s investment into Hyflex technology, which enables students to participate fully in lessons whether they are physically present in the classroom or joining remotely, providing students with greater choice over where, when, and how they learn. “We are doing this in order to be able to remain true to our founding principle of enabling access to a high-quality education for all”, Sally explained.
Wendy also gave a speech, commenting, “Birkbeck’s continued success is a testament to its enduring mission – a commitment to providing flexible and part-time higher education that meets the needs of students of all ages.
“This commemorative scroll, commissioned by the University of London to mark this monumental anniversary, includes a quote from Ramsay MacDonald - one of a long list of people connected to Birkbeck who have made a lasting impact on the world.
“Birkbeck and the University of London’s relationship spans over 100 years and I look forward to many more years of partnership.”
The scroll features a quote from Ramsay MacDonald, former Prime Minister and Birkbeck alumnus, written in 1924: “To the many who otherwise were like to be walled in by the limits of their own occupations Birkbeck College stands as a gateway through which each day they may adventure into the wide fields of learning and opportunity. The horizon opens without barrier of race or nationality, beckoning the student on to wider understandings and wider friendships…long may Birkbeck College flourish and prosperity attend her sons and daughters.”