An exhibition of 75 photographic portraits of people linked to Keele University’s past and present has been launched to celebrate the University’s 75th anniversary.
The photographs reflect a broad cross-section of the Keele community, from people who laid the foundations for the university in 1949, to pioneering academics who put Keele on the map, staff working behind the scenes, and former students.
Among those featured include civil rights barrister Michael Mansfield KC, who studied at Keele in the 1960s; ‘much-loved’ catering manager Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Breeze; and TV presenter AJ Odudu, who graduated in 2009.
On being featured in the exhibition, Mr Mansfield KC, who has worked on landmark legal cases including Grenfell Tower, Stephen Lawrence, and the Hillsborough disaster, said: “Keele has been the intellectual powerhouse of my life.
“The broad, inclusive academic approach epitomised by its unique foundation year onwards, bounced my brain into action and stirred a radical human rights perspective which has influenced the whole of my legal career. This anniversary marks a remarkable achievement by Keele in sustaining its commitment to liberal values and inclusivity.”
All 75 portraits are on display to the public in the Chancellor’s building until the end of summer, and are accompanied by a brief description of the person and their connection with Keele. The exhibition is also available to view on the University’s website.
Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “So many students, staff and partners have been part of our remarkable journey and contributed to making Keele the fantastic place it is today, and it’s important to remember them at this milestone.
“As we celebrate our past and look to the future, we hope this exhibition will inspire and bring back memories. We’re extremely proud of how much Keele has achieved in the space of 75 years, and how our education and research continues to transform lives across the globe.”
