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11 Jun 2010 13:27:18
Award-winning international actor Shah Rukh Khan is backing Universities Week - a national campaign running from 14 to 20 June to celebrate the essential role universities play in sustaining our society, culture and economy.
Shah Rukh Khan was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Arts and Culture from the University of Bedfordshire last year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts, culture and media.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be backing Universities Week: What’s the big idea? I am a follower of education and have seen how it can transform lives.
“I was thrilled when I was given my honorary award and have been using it and my position as an actor to help deserving children go on to further education because I know how it will enhance their lives.”
The campaign is the most comprehensive festival of our universities which has ever taken place and is being organised by the umbrella group Universities UK.
University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon, CBE said: “I am delighted to support this campaign which aims to raise the profile of universities and higher education institutions throughout the country.
“Universities and higher education Institutions are about much more than just teaching and learning. Here at Bedfordshire we have close links with the local and business communities in Luton, Bedford and the wider region.
“We contribute £270m to the regional economy, an important contribution to an area where there is a growing diverse population. We also contribute to local initiatives and support culture and sport.
“We recently sponsored Luton International Carnival and will be supporting Bedford River Festival next month – two important events taking part in the local community.
“University transforms people’s lives – it certainly did mine – and this campaign is a chance to celebrate our often unsung and unheard success stories.”
The University is hosting a series of taster days and visits by youngsters throughout the week. Students from Barnfield West Academy, Luton Sixth Form and Suffolk Regional College will attend a welcome talk and tour and take part in interactive activities.
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “Our universities are so much more than the teaching institutions for which they are often only recognised.
“For the first time we’ve brought all of the country’s higher education achievements under one single banner, to highlight what else our universities have to offer on a local and national level.
“We have such a strong story to tell in the UK about our world-class universities and how they make such a major contribution to so many different areas of our lives.
“Quite apart from the transformative effect of higher education on students, our universities are an integral part of society – from the training of teachers, doctors and sports professionals; to the development of future fuels, groundbreaking medicines, new technologies, or improved nutrition.”
For more information visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk. Or show your support for our universities by joining the campaign’s Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/ukuniversities
Latest news» 2010» June» Shah Rukh Khan backs Universities Week
