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A commemorative scroll celebrating Birkbeck’s 200th anniversary has been unveiled this week. ������Ƶ Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson CBE presented Birkbeck University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Wheeler CBE with the scroll to mark Birkbeck’s bicentenary. Established in 1823, Birkbeck joined the ������Ƶ Federation in 1920.

The official unveiling of the calligraphy scroll, featuring a quote from Prime Minister and Birkbeck alumnus Ramsay MacDonald, took place at Birkbeck on 7 March. Professor Thomson also presented Professor Wheeler with a 14-page booklet (PDF) on the relationship between Birkbeck and the ������Ƶ as told through items found in the Senate House Library archives. 

Prof Wheeler delivered a speech celebrating the past and looking ahead to the future, to an audience of staff and students from Birkbeck and the ������Ƶ. She spoke about how proud Birkbeck is to have been a member of the ������Ƶ for over 100 years, and shared how Birkbeck’s educational offer is evolving: “After 100 years of focusing almost exclusively on evening teaching, we’re beginning to offer day-time provision.” 

������Ƶ Vice-Chancellor Wendy Thomson added:

“Birkbeck’s continued success is a testament to its enduring mission – a commitment to providing flexible and part-time higher education that meets the needs of students of all ages.  

“This commemorative scroll, commissioned by the ������Ƶ to mark this monumental anniversary, includes a quote from former British Prime Minister and Birkbeck alumni Ramsay MacDonald - one of a long list of people connected to Birkbeck who have made a lasting impact on the world.

“It was an honour to present this scroll, alongside the booklet at the gala last December. Birkbeck and the ������Ƶ’s relationship spans over 100 years and I look forward to many more years of partnership.”