Member Article

NE's oldest university celebrates 175 years

Durham University begins public celebrations of its 175th anniversary this week. Durham is the oldest English university after Oxford and Cambridge, and grew from one college in 1832 to the current 16. Based on two sites in Durham City and Stockton-on-Tees, it has 15,000 students, employs 3,000 staff and has an annual turnover of more than £175m.

Year-long celebrations include a sports weekend and the premiere of a classical music composition by former Deep Purple keyboard player, Jon Lord. Celebrations begin at the university’s Stockton campus, Queen’s, from 12 to 17 March.

Prof Sir Kenneth Calman, Durham’s vice-chancellor, said: “It is very fitting that we launch our 175 celebrations at Queen’s Campus, which was opened as a brand-new purpose-built facility only 15 years ago. Its colleges, excellent degrees and forward-thinking research are very much an example of continuous growth and innovation at the university.”

Dr Bill Bryson, chancellor of Durham University, said: “This year is very exciting because it is giving us all a chance to look back on the fantastic history of the University and celebrate the contribution of our students, staff and alumni but at the same time share our plans for the future with the communities around Stockton and Durham.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .