WEARSIDE MATTERS
University a cheerleader for city
As the University of Sunderland reaches the mid-point in its week of graduations, we look at the first class role it has played across the cultural landscape of the city.
With a decision imminent on the successful locations going through to the next stage of City of Culture 2021, Sunderland holds its collective breath.
By the end of July, we will know if the city will line up among the final four locations set to battle it out to be the winning bid.
It’s a nail-biting time for the Sunderland 2021 team that is leading the effort to secure the title, but with a city united, it already feels like a victory.
One of the leading cheerleaders for Sunderland, and instrumental in the decision to bid for the cultural crown, is the University of Sunderland – itself a key cultural driver in a city bursting with talent and ambition.
The university is the conduit linking a wealth of groups and communities across Sunderland. Whether it’s the diversity it adds to the city, with a fifth of its students coming from outside the UK, or the leading role it plays on Sunderland Business Group, which is spurring on the eco- nomic development of the city – the University of Sunderland is plugged directly into the heartbeat of the area.
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Shirley Atkinson, is not only a passionate advocate for the university, she is also one of the city’s most vocal ambassadors when it comes to talking up its cultural and economic credentials.
“We are incredibly proud to have been one of the founding partners of the 2021 bid,” she said.
“Along with Sunderland City Council and the Music Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust, we immediately recognised the hugely positive impact it could have on the city and how it is perceived outside the region.
“Sunderland is already a city on the up, but this could truly have a transformative impact on our culture, business, communities and physical environment, and I think Sunderland 2021 has done a tremendous job thus far.
“The exciting thing about it is that is has already created a lasting legacy, as the inspiration behind the formation of Sunderland Culture, which has levered significant support from national funding bodies to bring resources to the cultural development of the sector, and to ensure the fantastic venues and facilities we have here can be built upon.”
And the university is also doing its own bit to develop the city’s assets, investing millions in its facilities.
The most recent addition opened its doors earlier this year – the Hope Street Xchange.
The Grade II listed former Gas Board building has been brought back from near dereliction to become a vibrant business hub, as well as the front door to the university’s expertise, research and support for businesses.
“The University of Sunderland wants this city to be a success and to make sure we play our role in achieving that lofty aim,” added Shirley.
“We want to help raise aspirations, improve the economy, enhance the landscape and celebrate our amazing cultural offer and assets.”
And celebration will be the order of the day when University of Sunderland students graduate at the summer academic awards ceremonies, held over a whole week of celebrations at the Stadium of Light and attended by around 11,000 guests.
The occasion has become one of the biggest and best opportunities to celebrate the important role the university plays in the past, present and future of the city.
In recent years the #Hawaythegrads campaign has not only brought students and their families together to reflect on their achievements over the course of their studies, but it has created a social media storm, resulting in a social audience of 1.5 million.
As well as aligning itself with the city’s business and bringing millions into Sunderland via student spend; the university is also a production line for talent and research.
And in this its 25th year since receiving university title, it’s fitting that Sunderland was recently awarded a silver ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework, with judges highlighting the close links with businesses and the employability of its graduates.
And of those graduates, 94.2% are in work or further study within six months of graduating, according to recent national statistics.
With its emphasis on research, relevant curriculum and student experience, the university prepares graduates for employment in a broad range of careers via six faculties, which as well as arts and creative industries include subjects relating to health sciences and wellbeing, education, business and law, computer science and engineering and advanced manufacturing.