Birkbeck Celebrates 200th Anniversary with Grand Gathering at Mansion House

Foundation Day Dinner 2023 saw students, staff, Fellows, Governors, alumni and supporters join HRH The Princess Royal, The Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli and Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Latchman CBE, in marking the occasion and highlighting all that Birkbeck has stood for, at Mansion House, in the heart of the City on Wednesday 13 December 

“This was a moving occasion at which we were able to celebrate everything Birkbeck has stood for. It was also an opportunity to recognise all those who make Birkbeck what it is today, from its staff and students to its alumni, supporters and friends. My key takeaway was that Birkbeck’s mission and values have not changed over our 200 years whilst how we have delivered our mission has changed over and over again.” said Sir Andrew Cahn KCMG, Chair of Governors. 

Hosted and introduced by the Lord Mayor, a role that also holds the title of Vice-President of Birkbeck, the evening saw speeches from Birkbeck’s Vice-Chancellor and HRH The Princess Royal.  

In his last public engagement before retiring from Birkbeck after twenty years, Professor Latchman reflected on the university’s unique role in UK Higher Education and the opportunities presented for the future by the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). He called for continued advocacy and support from across the political spectrum for a system that no longer limits the funding opportunities for those who wish to undertake equivalent or lower (ELQ) qualifications in second degrees or other qualifications, and emphasised the benefits to society of a working population engaged in continuous learning throughout their lives. 

The dinner culminated with a speech by HRH, The Princess Royal who, as Chancellor of the University of London, highlighted Birkbeck’s trailblazing past and in particular the achievements of prominent Birkbeck women including Rosalind Franklin, Lilian Penson and Helen Gwynne-Vaughan. She highlighted the role Birkbeck has in encouraging and supporting those communities underrepresented in UK Higher Education and thanked Professor Latchman for his enthusiasm and dedication over his twenty years. 

HRH The Princess Royal was then invited to cut a cake made in celebration of Birkbeck’s 200th anniversary by Le Cordon Bleu, a Birkbeck partner, which was later shared and consumed by current students back at Birkbeck. 

“It was an evening I will never forget and I really enjoyed meeting HRH, The Princess Royal, learning more about the College’s amazing history and meeting members of the community who make it such a special place to learn and develop your skills”, said Andrewlika Buckley-Stewart, a Goldman Sachs Scholar. “I only hope I can, in some small way, follow in the footsteps of those eminent Birkbeckians who have had such a positive impact on the world.”