Golden celebrations for Uxbridge College
Mayor joins staff and students for 50th anniversary
FIFTY years of success were celebrated with a golden anniversary tea to conclude Uxbridge College’s half-centenary year.
The guests of honour were the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, John Hensley and Diane Hensley, with the mayor presenting certificates of achievement to students who had excelled during the college’s 50th year.
Staff, students, governors, employers and other partners also joined the celebrations.
The afternoon tea was held exactly 50 years to the day since Uxbridge Technical College, as it was known then, was officially opened by then secretary of state for education and science Anthony Crosland MP.
Laraine Smith OBE, principal of Uxbridge College, said: “It is a real privilege to look back over Uxbridge College’s 50 years and reflect on the many successes it has been part of. From the personal achievements that have changed the lives of individuals and families, to the broader impact on our community and economy, there is no doubt the college has had a significant impact in many ways. I would like to thank everyone who has made the college such a special place during its history, as well as those who continue to do so.”
The event was the last in a year of celebrations and events, which included an exhibition of memorabilia from throughout the College’s history and various anniversarythemed activities held by staff and students.
The college first opened in Park Road, Uxbridge, with a £750,000 building, and the Hayes campus was added in 1989 on the site of the former Townfield School, off Coldharbour Lane. Initially courses were offered in engineering, science, commerce and general studies to 1,386 students, and today the college delivers an extensive range of programmes across key academic and professional areas to over 9,000 students.