Your University magazine 2019-20

Page 37

ALUMNI NEWS

Your notes and news Commemorating one of the great figures in our University’s history This year the University of Sheffield celebrates the double centenary of one of the great figures in Sheffield’s history – Mark Firth. Born 200 years ago on 25 April 1819, he is considered one of the founders of the University of Sheffield. The eldest of 10 children, Mark Firth built one of the leading steel firms in the world. He was successful as an entrepreneur, businessman and leading citizen. He used his fortune to give back generously to Sheffield as a major philanthropist. Both Firth’s benefaction and vision created the embryonic University of Sheffield. His name is commemorated around our University and the city: Firth Court, Firth Hall, Firth Homes and Firth Park.

He became Master Cutler for three years from 1867–69 and in 1874 he was elected Mayor and Alderman. In 1875 he hosted a royal visit from the Prince and Princess of Wales. In 1871 Sheffield’s manufacturing and steel industry was booming and the population had doubled over the previous 30 years to around 240,000. Firth had been inspired by a new vision of higher education and decided to bring it to Sheffield. In 1877, He bought a citycentre site on the corner of what is now Leopold Street and West Street to build new premises for the classes. Firth College was opened in 1879 by Prince Leopold, the youngest child of Queen Victoria.

Mark Firth, one of the founders of the University of Sheffield. The College has come to be considered the forerunner to our University’s faculties of arts and pure science. Within 25 years of Mark Firth’s initial efforts, the College, along with the Technical School and the Medical School amalgamated under a Royal Charter as the University of Sheffield in 1905.

We are always interested to discover what our alumni are doing now. Here is a small selection of news from people who have been in contact with us or who we have spotted in the media. 1950s Roger Croft (BA Economics 1955) published the fifth book in his Michael Vaux spy series.

Sheffield in America Board of Directors having served in the role for over 15 years.

1960s

1970s

Professor Annette Kuhn (BA Sociology 1969, MA Sociology 1975) gave the guest speech at our 50th Anniversary Reunion Luncheon.

Richard Bennett (BA Economics and Business Studies 1971) is a Deputy Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire.

Sir Richard Roberts FRS (BSc Chemistry 1965, PhD Chemistry 1968, Hon DSc 1994) has stepped down as the Chair of the University of

Martin Rees (BA Economics 1972) was recognised by the National Trust for 20 years’ service as a volunteer ranger in the Brecon Beacons.

Professor Annette Kuhn

2019/2020 2018/2019 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 37


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Your University magazine 2019-20 by University of Sheffield Alumni and Supporters - Issuu