Female role models to inspire next generation at landmark event
Release Date 04 March 2015
Two high-profile female graduates will return to the University of Reading to contribute to this year's Edith Morley Annual lecture, to mark International Women's Day 2015.
Meteorologist and Good Morning Britain weather presenter Laura Tobin, and BBC Radio 1 film critic Rhianna Dhillon, will discuss ‘the female role model' with Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell on stage in the University's Great Hall, at the London Road campus, at 7.30pm on 5 March.
The annual lecture is in memory of Edith Morley, the first woman to be awarded the title of professor in a British university.
Appointed as Professor of English Language at Reading in 1908, Professor Morley was a formidable academic presence, known for her dedication to her subject, her students and her cause. Her belief that women should have equal place in academia and society drove her to be an inspiring and motivating force for the young people around her.
Sir David said; "I am delighted to be chairing this year's event to celebrate the University's extraordinary heritage and hope it will help to inspire young women today to achieve great things.
"I am particularly looking forward to welcoming Laura and Rhianna, two high-profile figures in their respective fields, back to Reading. I am sure we will learn much from them."
Admission is free, but places are limited. More information here.
PROFESSOR EDITH MORLEY (1875-1964)
In 1908, W.M. Childs (Principal of University College, Reading and first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading), appointed Edith Morley as Professor of English Language. In her unpublished memoir, she wrote ‘I was the first woman to obtain the title of professor at a British university', and went on to explain that she regarded the struggle about her position and title as her ‘... contribution to the battle for fair dealing for women in public and professional life.' Over 100 years on, the University is delighted to celebrate this extraordinary part of its heritage with this special event to inspire young women today to achieve great things.