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20 Sep 2006 13:14:14
The UK Ambassador to Italy, members of the Beijing Municipal Government and leading members of the business community will be among the guests at a special celebration this Friday (22 September) to commemorate the launch of the new University of Bedfordshire.
The event, which follows the official launch on 1 August, is being held to thank stakeholders, friends and supporters who have contributed to the development of the University over the last 13 years and, most notably, in the months preceding the £15m merger deal with DMU.
Welcoming the guests to the celebration in the grounds of the historic Putteridge Bury campus, will be Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon. He said: “A huge amount of work has gone into making this merger a success and it couldn’t have happened without our friends and supporters.
“Over the years, we have developed links with institutions around Asia, Africa and Europe, and we are delighted that friends from these countries will be joining us on Friday.
“The event on 1 August marked the official signing of the deal and staff and students came together to mark the day. Now we want to acknowledge and thank those outside the University who have worked with us to reach this milestone.”
University Chancellor, Sir Robin Biggam, will present honorary awards to well-known local musician, Peter Bussereau, for his contribution to the local community and to local schools, and former Chair of Governors, David Docherty, who was instrumental in bringing about the new University.
Also addressing guests will be David Young, Chairman of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) - the organisation that awarded more than £2m to the University to assist with the merger.
Guests will then enjoy a live performance by Symphonia Academica, the University’s resident orchestra.
“The response to the new University has been hugely positive,” said Professor Ebdon. “Those coming from embassies and national organisations illustrates the support we have and the progress we have made since 1993. The coming 12 months will see the Bedford campus transform following a £34m development programme, and with further investment earmarked for the Luton campus, Bedfordshire is set to become one of the leading new universities.”
Local dignitaries attending include the Mayors of Luton, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Flitwick, Bedford and Sandy. MPs, Bishops, NHS Trust representatives and leading business leaders from across the East of England will also attend.
Latest news» 2006» Sep» High-profile guests gather to celebrate Uni merger
