Convocation Newsletter Spring/Summer 2021 9
History of arbitration project receives generous support A research project to investigate the history of arbitration in the 19th century will go ahead at the University, thanks to the support of the international arbitral community.
Alumni support recent telephone campaign Regular opportunities to speak with alumni and friends of the University by phone are a key part of our fundraising efforts. These telephone calls allow alumni and friends to hear more about our activities and future plans, as well as raise vital funds in support of the University’s strategic needs. In March and April 2021, the University of London collaborated with CoAltus, a professional fundraising organisation engaged by the University, to call UoL graduates and friends living in the UK. These phone calls gave alumni the chance to learn more about what is happening at the University, hear about the benefits and services available to them, and have the opportunity to make a donation in support of the University, should they wish to. The campaign also gave our callers, all of whom were University of London current students or recent graduates, a valuable opportunity to speak with our alumni and find out where their degree has taken them. We would like to say a huge thank you to the 1,200 alumni and friends who took the time to speak with one of our callers, many of whom were members of the former Convocation. We are delighted to report that the campaign also raised over £20,000 in philanthropic gifts. One donor, Alan Prince, made a generous gift towards scholarships, to enable a student to complete their studies without financial worries. An alumnus of the University, Alan was inspired to donate after attributing his degree to helping him in his way through life. We extend a sincere thank you to Alan and to all those who kindly made a donation in support of the University. If you are happy to be contacted by phone by University students and graduates in future, please ensure that we have your correct contact details by emailing alumni@london.ac.uk or completing our online form: www.alumni.london.ac.uk/ convocation/keep-in-touch
Access to Justice: Arbitration and Mediation in 19th Century England will follow on from Professor Derek Roebuck’s 20-year landmark study into the history of arbitration which, since 2013, has been hosted at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), part of the University’s School of Advanced Study. A prolific writer of arbitration history, Derek was a Senior Associate Research Fellow at IALS. His research was staunchly supported by Johnny Veeder QC, an influential figure in the field of arbitration. Sadly, both Johnny and Derek passed away in 2020. IALS has had an ambition to complete the final volume of this important historical study in memory of both Johnny and Derek. The University has almost reached its target of £170,000 in donations, ensuring that this monumental series will be completed. We would like to sincerely thank all those in the international arbitral community who have so generously supported this fundraising effort. Beyond the academic impact, this initiative will be well-placed to inform Government policy, and to provide robust historical foundations to debates around arbitral practice. To commemorate Johnny’s and Derek’s contribution to IALS and to the wider scholarship, the Institute and the University of London are very pleased to be naming the main event space in IALS in their honour. The VeederRoebuck Conference Room will also house a plaque to acknowledge and thank the most generous donors who have supported the project. For more information on the project, please contact development@london.ac.uk The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
