MAKING A DIFFERENCE SINCE 1963 The history and heritage of the University of East Anglia
Construction on UEA’s Lasdun Teaching Wall and walkway.
WE STARTED LIFE IN 1963…
It was the year that the Beatles released their debut LP, the Profumo Affair shook the UK and Martin Luther King Jr gave his defining speech. And, as 113 students arrived on campus, 1963 was also the start of something special here in East Anglia. Led by Professor Frank Thistlethwaite, our founding Vice-Chancellor, and Harold Mackintosh, 1st Viscount Mackintosh of Halifax, our first Chancellor, this was to be a place of cross-disciplinary learning. Where all classes were open to all students and new, sometimes radical, principles of education were to be enthusiastically encouraged. Supported by the generosity of our first philanthropists, UEA was born.
Our iconic Ziggurats, also designed by brutalist architect Sir Denys Lasdun.
...TODAY, UEA IS BETTER THAN EVER.
Over the years, our bright students have become illustrious alumni. Our pioneering research has led to revolutionary breakthroughs. And our campus has grown to become a true home for those who dare to do different. Philanthropy continues to fund and further all this and more of our groundbreaking work – adding global reach and significance. Overleaf, a timeline of memories charts our progress from early days to everything we have become today, thanks to everyone who has contributed to UEA’s success. We hope you enjoy immersing yourself in our history.
Groundskeepers investigate student mischief in The Square.
WE’VE ALWAYS DONE DIFFERENTLY…
1963
UEA opens its doors and we welcome our first undergraduate students to study in two schools – English and Biology.
1967
The iconic Ziggurats are completed. Our University has a concrete identity.
1970
We launch the first creative writing programme in the UK, led by Sir Malcolm Bradbury CBE and Sir Angus Wilson CBE.
1972
The Centre for Climatic Research opens to offer early warnings about the effects of climate change.
Legendary Radio 1 DJ, John Peel, at the launch of Livewire, UEA’s student radio station.
WE’VE NURTURED GREAT MINDS…
1978 1984
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art opens its doors to an impressive collection of artworks. Earlham Hall, once home to Elizabeth Fry, becomes the new home of the School of Law.
1989
Sir Kazuo Ishiguro OBE is the first UEA alumnus to win the Booker Prize. He is later followed by Ian McEwan CBE and Anne Enright.
1990
Livewire student radio is launched by John Peel OBE. The station will later help launch the career of Radio 1 DJ and UEA alumnus, Greg James.
1992
Norwich Research Park opens, leading to the city becoming the UK’s fourth most cited for science research.
A student hard at work in the Ziggurat halls of residence overlooking the UEA Broad.
WE’VE MADE HISTORY…
2001
UEA’s first alumnus to win the Nobel Prize is Sir Paul Nurse, for Physiology or Medicine. He is followed by Sir Kazuo Ishiguro OBE, for Literature, and Dr Michael Houghton, also for Physiology or Medicine.
2002
Norwich Medical School opens, welcoming an intake of 110 students through its doors.
2009 2013 2015
The School of International Development is awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize. In 2011, the Creative Writing programme receives the same honour. After half a century of making a difference, the University celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Enterprise Centre is built, becoming the most environmentally friendly building in the UK.
UEA Creative Writing co-founders, Profs Sir Malcolm Bradbury CBE and Sir Angus Wilson CBE.
WE’VE HELPED CHANGE THE WORLD…
2015
Following the largest capital campaign the University has seen since 1963, the Bob Champion Research and Education Building opens, forging pioneering clinical, academic and research collaborations.
2019
Students arrive at the New Science Building, still valuing the cross-disciplinary principles the University was founded on.
2020 2021
The University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic includes urgent student support, vital coronavirus research and opening up campus facilities to support the local community and the NHS. We celebrate raising a historic £100 million from generous philanthropists, who helped fund and further the University’s groundbreaking work through The Difference Campaign.
Generous philanthropists have brought hundreds of scholarship students to UEA.
NOW, WILL YOU HELP US CONTINUE INTO THE FUTURE?
UEA’s philanthropic community enables the University to create pioneering change in the world. From brave new research to fostering tomorrow’s great minds, from backing student businesses to building the future of the University – we have some exciting plans for the coming years. With the help of our supporters and generous philanthropists, we can continue to tackle the world’s greatest challenges and transform lives long into the future. If you are interested in becoming a supporter of the University of East Anglia, please contact the Development Office using the details overleaf.
HOW TO GIVE If you would like to support UEA’s pioneering work, please contact the Development Office: Telephone: +44 (0)1603 592 945 Email: giving@uea.ac.uk Development Office University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ Donate online at: www.uea.ac.uk/difference
This publication is printed on FSC certified paper. The contents of this publication are protected by copyright belonging to the University of East Anglia and may not be reproduced without permission. Cover image: The Pancake Race in The Square at UEA, 1975. UEA is an exempt charity: HMRC reference number XN423