The University of Bedfordshire is marking 20 years since it took its current name with a new collection of photographs and personal memories looking back at its history and impact on the local community.
The institution became as the University of Bedfordshire in 2006, although its history in Luton stretches back further. It was previously known as the University of Luton, and it has since grown into a major part of the town’s education, employment and community landscape.
To mark the anniversary, the university has launched a 20th anniversary Memory Box bringing together photographs, memories and personal stories from former students, Students’ Union officers and staff.
The collection aims to capture some of the people and moments that have shaped the university over the past two decades, as well as the impact experiences at Bedfordshire have had on careers, confidence, friendships and lives after graduation.
Professor Deborah Johnston MBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Twenty years is quite a milestone, and one we should all be proud of. This is a university that Bedfordshire needs – a university that opens doors, creates opportunities and changes lives. For generations, we’ve helped people into careers that might once have seemed out of reach, training nurses, teachers, social workers, paramedics and many others who go on to serve our communities.
“It’s not just about getting a qualification; it’s about giving people the skills and confidence to build a career, find opportunities and make a difference themselves. As we look to the future, we know why we’re here – to create opportunity, change lives and make a difference to the communities we serve.”
The university says its work over the past 20 years has included widening participation in higher education, developing partnerships with employers and community organisations and carrying out research with local, national and international impact.
Its research has included work supporting businesses to adopt emerging technologies, as well as research into inequalities in maternal and newborn health and new approaches to prostate cancer.
The anniversary comes after a period of improving performance for the university in national rankings, including a rise into the top 100 of the Guardian University Guide for the first time in 16 years.
The university says its focus for the next chapter will remain on creating opportunities for students, supporting them into careers and working with communities across the region.
The 20th anniversary Memory Box can be explored on the University of Bedfordshire’s website.
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