The University of Wolverhampton is celebrating 21 years since it received university status during 2013.
On 17 June 1992 Wolverhampton Polytechnic became the University of Wolverhampton as a result of the Further and Higher Education Act.
To mark the occasion the University is holding a series of 21 and Proud celebrations and events during the year for staff, students and alumni.
Celebrations include a heritage event in April marking the University’s coming of age as well as its 170 year history providing education in Wolverhampton and the Black Country, a family fun day in Walsall and an event celebrating enterprise and employability at Telford, both in May, and a closing ceremony at city campus in June.
An alumni reunion is being held in April with a special reception for graduates from the class of 1992 and a book will be published charting the University’s history and roots.
Alongside this the University will be marking the milestone in some more creative ways.
A time capsule will be buried containing messages from current day staff and students, three sculptures will be produced by the School of Art and Design, a photographic exhibition, 21 trees and benches will be located around the campuses and a Stand-Up Comedy Night is being fronted by Wolverhampton graduate Harriet Dyer to coincide with Red Nose Day.
University of Wolverhampton Vice Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “It’s great to be marking our 21st birthday and it’s important that we recognise another chapter in our history.
“Many people don’t often realise about our heritage and the fact that we’ve been providing education to the people of Wolverhampton, the Black Country and further afield for more than 170 years.
“A lot of things have changed in that that time but the ethos of what we are hasn’t. We still aim to change people’s lives through education, giving them a chance of a better future and supporting economic growth.
“We’re hoping as many people as possible from current staff and students to graduates and the public will help us celebrate.
“Everyone at the University is looking forward to coming together for the host of events we’ve got planned and it should be a fantastic year.”
Other significant events include Enterprise and Employability Awards, an International Networking Conference in Sri-Lanka for education partners in June, special public lectures, a 21st Anniversary themed International Festival, poetry competition and an event looking for a new business idea.
A web portal celebrating the anniversary has been launched with details of events, the story and history of the University, staff and student stories and games.
For more information visit www.wlv.ac.uk/21andproud
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