Celebration of centenary gets University under way
LOOKING BACK
THE University of Leicester has kicked off the celebrations marking its centenary year.
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, president and vice-chancellor, formally launched a schedule of events to mark 100 years since the university’s formation, in the presence of students, alumni, staff and guests from the institution’s first century.
He said: “We reflect upon our past and the sacrifices made by the many to bring us where we are.
“I am immensely proud to be announcing the launch of our centenary celebrations – and at the same time humbled by the significance of this moment.
“We are the custodians of a legacy, and to realise the vision of our motto, Ut vitam habeant – so that they may have life.
“In doing this, we pledge to build upon the success of our first century as we look ahead to the next 100 years.”
The university was founded as Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland University College in 1921 as a living memorial for all people who made sacrifices during the First World War.
The university said centenary events from this month, running into next year, will recognise the people and events which have shaped the first 100 years.
They will celebrate the students, staff, local people and other “citizens of change who have made Leicester the vibrant university it is today – and look ahead to the next 100 years of teaching, learning and world-changing research”.
A spokesman said highlights of the programme include:
Changemakers: Centenary Festival – October 2
“A landmark event on the main campus, with talks, performances and hands-on demonstrations reflecting our first century, suited to guests of all ages, ahead of the university’s birthday on October 4.”
Poppy Pilgrimage: to November 1
Commemorating the sacrifices made by the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland during the First World War by laying wreaths at 100 war memorials in the region, culminating in a Remembrance Day service on campus.
Oadby & Wigston and Rutland community events – September 12 and February
“Recognising the contribution of the people of Oadby and Wigston and Rutland to our heritage by taking the University to them.”
Space Park Leicester, Percy Gee, Brookfield campus and Freemen’s Common launch events
Looking ahead to the next 100 years by launching some of the newest spaces for teaching, learning and research in Leicester, including the flagship Space Park
Leicester development and new Freemen’s Common student village.
Difficult Conversations lecture series
A series of lectures and panel discussions posing difficult questions affecting Leicester and today’s world – from the air we breathe to tackling hate crime.
The World is a Work in Progress art exhibition – September 25 to January
Hosted by the Attenborough Arts Centre, an exhibition that invites communities, contemporary artists and visitors to come together to share their visions for the future.
There will be art installations, philanthropic events and engagement with the people who have generated 100 years of change at Leicester, the university said.
The university has also collected Our 100, 100 objects, concepts and people that define its past, present, and future – from the Attenborough family on campus to discovering a king in a car park.
To mark its centenary year, 100 Citizens of Change scholarships have been provided to UK, EU and international students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
All 100 have been selected for their answers to the question “What do you want to change?” and assessed for their ideas’ impact, realism and creativity – with submissions ranging from students’ future to reducing crime, solving the climate crisis and improving people’s health.
Aisha Faisal, a second-year medical genetics student, became a Centenary Scholar with her commitment to changing negative portrayals of Islam in media.
She said: “Being part of such a diverse community of Centenary Scholars has meant that I can not only be comfortable with myself but also help others.
“The scholarship helped me thrive throughout the pandemic, and I’m really proud to have been involved with the programme.”
A full events schedule is available at: