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University of Reading

University of Reading marks its 90th anniversary

Thursday, 17 March 2016

University of Reading 90th anniversary

Today, the University of Reading will mark its 90th anniversary. 

Over the course of the day, we will be holding several events in honour of the achievements of our academics, students and staff over the last 90 years.

The University began life as the Schools of Art and Science which were established in Reading in 1860 and 1870 respectively. In 1892 the Oxford University Extension movement offered to take over the management of these schools and University College, Reading was born. The University of Reading was established by Royal Charter on 17 March 1926, becoming the 11th university in England and was the only UK university to be created between the two world wars.

Now, we are one of the UK’s leading research intensive institutions, and are amongst the top 200 universities in the world. We teach over 17,000 students and house campuses in Malaysia and South Africa.  

Today’s events include:

  • An official Guinness World Records attempt for the ‘most simultaneous human cradle lifts’ by students and staff. It mirrors a famous photograph from the University’s inauguration in 1926 when students lifted the University’s first Vice-Chancellor, William Macbride Childs, to celebrate the granting of the Royal Charter. The world record attempt takes place at the Palmer Quad from 12:30.  
  • A lunchtime celebration will then take place in the Palmer Quad from 1:00pm to 2:00 pm, with the University Big Band providing entertainment. This will be followed by the formal cutting of the anniversary cake and refreshments. 
  • A special meeting of the University Court is taking place in the evening at the Great Hall, at the University’s original London Road campus. The proceedings will be led by Chancellor Sir John Madejski, with speeches by the Vice-Chancellor and a reading by Oli Ratcliffe, President of Reading University Students’ Union. 
  • The ceremony will see the presentation of three honorary degrees to Helen Gordon, Professor Haiyan Hu and Andrew Palmer CMG. CVO. 
  • The ceremony will also premiere a new film marking the 90th anniversary with current and past academics, students and staff setting out nine decades of history and achievement.

University of Reading Chancellor Sir John Madejski said: 

“This historic event will be commemorated by our staff, students and graduates alike as we look forward to another 90 years of high quality education and world-changing research.

“Reading is already ranked firmly in the top 1% of universities worldwide, and its international reputation continues to grow. As we reflect on this milestone, we also celebrate the opening of a new overseas campus, providing UK degrees from our stunning new facility in Malaysia.

“I am proud to be involved with such a forward-thinking institution, and I look forward to seeing the University of Reading continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

For further information on our anniversary celebrations, visit our 90th anniversary website.