UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
University opens up in celebration

A series of public talks by distinguished experts, exhibitions, concerts, drama and dance events all feature in a major celebration masterminded by Bristol University - and most of the events are free.

Called Celebration 2001, the programme takes place between October and December and marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of University College, Bristol.

The events are linked by the theme of 'opportunity and diversity'. University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Hodder-Williams said: 'We wanted to reflect the fact that Bristol was the first university in the country to admit women on an equal basis to men.

'We wouldn't claim to have any aspect of equal opportunities taped, but we do have a pretty good track record and we're serious about doing better.

'Also, the University has staff and students from more than 100 countries and from every socio-economic group. We think that's one of its great strengths and something to be celebrated.'

Professor Hodder-Williams added that the University was keen to attract members of the public to Celebration 2001 events. 'We're proud to be part of the city and we see this as a great chance to welcome more local people,' he said.

Among the 12 speakers contributing to the programme are Professor Joanna Foster, former Chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission (October 10); Paul Boateng, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and a graduate of Bristol University (November 1); and Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of English Heritage (November 19).

One lecture will feature contributions on race issues by three well-known Bristol people: Peaches Golding, Regional Campaign Manager for Race for Opportunity; Paul Stephenson, Regional Director of the Focus Consultancy; and Maqsood Zamir, adviser to the Bath Equality Committee.

These and the many other events in the programme make Celebration 2001 one of the most ambitious public programmes ever mounted by a UK university.

Full details are available by telephoning the University on Bristol (0117) 928 8086 or visiting www.bristol.ac.uk/celebration2001

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Email: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk
Copyright: 2001 The University of Bristol, UK
Updated: Thursday, 04-Oct-2001 16:02:18 BST