“To reminisce with my old friends, a chance to share some memories, and play our songs again”
Ricky Nelson
To reminisce with my old friends, a chance to share some memories, and play our songs again
This quote from the late musician Ricky Nelson leads us perfectly into our newsletter journey of reminiscing about all the things we love and value about the wonderful University of York. Dr Barry Thomas shares his memories of arriving in the 1960’s and I hope you enjoy a few photographs of the 1960’s from our archives. I am also delighted to share a nostalgic video of the story of the colleges.
Remembering your time at York, perhaps they were the most formative of your life, ones that helped shape your career. You may have made lifelong friends or possibly met your spouse or partner here. You may have a strong connection with a particular department or area of research. By remembering us in your will, you can make sure future students can follow in your footsteps without the barriers so many face. By letting us know you intend to leave a gift in your will we can make sure that your wishes are followed.
Dr Barry Thomas shares his memories of the University of York
Barry and student Peter, 1978
Barry and student Peter, 1978
Barry and student Eddie, date unknown
Barry and student Eddie, date unknown
Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the University's first two colleges: Derwent and Langwith, 1965
Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the University's first two colleges: Derwent and Langwith, 1965
The first three D Phil graduates in Chemistry (Barry in the middle), July 1968
The first three D Phil graduates in Chemistry (Barry in the middle), July 1968
Black swan on campus, 60s
Black swan on campus, 60s
The 1967 Summer Ball, Central Hall Bridge (Barry in the middle)
The 1967 Summer Ball, Central Hall Bridge (Barry in the middle)
Library bridge with Untitled Sculpture by Austin Wright, 1960s
Library bridge with Untitled Sculpture by Austin Wright, 1960s
Leaving a Legacy to Support the Welfare and Mental Health of Students
Hello, my name is Barry Thomas. I am still a member of the University of York, though one of the earliest graduates. I have held many roles in the last 60 years, student, teacher, college principal and even rugby team mate. This year we are celebrating York’s 60th anniversary, and I have been reflecting on my own experiences and memories - I hope my recollections may inspire some of your own.
I arrived on campus as a chemistry lab technician in the summer of 1965, before I began my DPhil in September. I grew up in Bradford so continuing my education at the newly opened University of York felt very much like coming home. I was probably the first student to live on campus, though when I opened the door to my Derwent college room that first evening, there was no lightbulb or curtains … and I was on the ground floor! I have many memories of the university in the 60s. I remember Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the university in 1965. She was invited to a “tea ceremony” in a current student’s bedroom, and a girlfriend’s room was picked. However, that plan had to be modified as ‘Security’ were concerned at the narrowness of the room meaning the Queen would have had to squeeze past my girlfriend’s bed with students standing next to it!
I graduated in 1968, in one of the earliest graduation ceremonies, a huge celebration with all courses and degree levels graduating in a single event. I continued as a teacher and researcher in the Chemistry Department, facing challenges and disruptions like the Chemistry Fire in 1981. At what I expected to be my final event at the university, I was offered the role of Principal of Vanbrugh College, to support the launch of a new college system - a fresh challenge.
One of my fondest contributions from the past 60 years has led to a big part of the university’s identity today - the beloved ducks and geese on the campus. When I first arrived, I was disappointed that only farmyard wildfowl had been introduced onto the new lake. I spoke to the Chancellor at the time, Lord James, about introducing wild birds to enable students to see a greater variety of wildlife. I didn’t expect any interest but was given £1,000 for our project and we began introducing native wildfowl. In the early days, to help boost the population, we would even hatch abandoned eggs in an incubator and rear the ducklings in an empty fumehood in one of the teaching labs. Today there are more species than ever across the lakes and wetlands on both campuses.
I am also looking forward to the future, the opportunities, and the challenges the University of York will surely face in its next 60 years and beyond. I have chosen to pledge a gift in my will to support the welfare and particularly the mental health of future students. My personal experiences over the years have taught me how necessary such effective support is.
If you are considering a gift to the University of York in your will, please contact Maresa in the Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni using legacies@york.ac.uk.
I am also a member of the Heslington Circle. If you decide to pledge a gift to the university, and let the university know, then they would be thrilled to invite you to join. As a member you will receive an exclusive invitation to an annual event held at the university, with key speakers showcasing exciting new developments on campus.
Dr Barry Thomas
Thank you from Professor Saul Tendler, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
Looking back over the 21/22 academic year, donations from gifts in wills helped us to offer more York Opportunity Scholarships than ever before. This helped students who had to contend with significant barriers to their education to get into university and realise their potential. We were also able to offer financial support and fee waivers through our Equal Access Fund to nine students affected by the war in Ukraine.
This year marks our 60th anniversary and gives us a moment to not only reflect on how far we've come, but how far we're going to go. Since our foundation in 1963, we’ve been guided by a compelling purpose: being single-minded in combating inequality, championing social justice and advancing opportunity for all. However, there is so much more to do and with the support of our alumni, staff and friends who have remembered York through a gift in their will, our future is limitless.
Thank you for supporting our current and future students.
Impact of a Recent Legacy Gift
All gifts, no matter their value can have a great impact on a student and on research. Recently we received a legacy gift with the wish that it go towards cancer research. We are pleased to support the wishes of this legacy as it will go towards the Generation Research Fund and specifically, a 2023 summer project focussing on cancer research. Generation Research is a programme for students thinking about a career in science and offers the opportunity to explore research and technical science roles. GenRes gives a helping hand to students from all backgrounds and is dependent on funding from collaborators and individual donations such as legacy gifts. We are so grateful for this legacy and the opportunity it will provide. Below are some quotes from students who took part in the Generation Research programme last summer:
“I enjoyed the work environment the most, not only has it allowed me to establish contacts with amazing people in the field of academia, it gave me a clear insight into what it would be like working full time in research”
“Absolutely invaluable experience to learn how to do research from a professional [..] it has increased my employability enormously”
Updates from the University
Inauguration of Chancellor Heather Melville
Dr Heather Melville, OBE, became the University’s seventh Chancellor during a ceremony at the University of York’s Central Hall on the 18th January 2023. The inauguration ceremony was attended by heads of academic departments and centres, Faculty Deans and University officials, and specially invited guests.
Dr Melville said: "When I first came to York, I was heartened to find a University so focused on driving social change and public good. The University has a rich tradition of social justice, which is so very important to me and close to my heart.
“I am deeply humbled and excited to be here and look forward to supporting the team here in their endeavour to remove barriers and to build inclusiveness, to develop partnerships and bring collaborations to benefit generations to come.
York Talks
I hope many of you were able to attend this year’s York Talks. I have many favourites but would like to share former PhD student Alex Setchfield’s talk, Grub up: feeding the world with crop waste and bugs
YuPlan
We recently held a free YuPlan webinar with local York Solicitors, Crombie Wilkinson on will writing and estate administration. The post event survey showed that 50% of respondents needed to update their will while 25% had yet to make one. It is essential to have a well drafted will to ensure your wishes are carried out correctly.
Crombie Wilkinson also covered topics such as Inheritance Tax and how leaving a gift in your will to one or more charities can reduce your tax liability. If you would like to receive a copy of the recording, please do contact me at maresa.bailey@york.ac.uk
Feedback from the session included the following comments:
“Good clear delivery from both speakers. New information for me e.g. about intestacy issues and inheritance tax”
“It was very informative and explained complex issues in very easy to understand language”
“Plenty of information covered, delivered in a clear and accessible manner”
If you would like to get in touch with Crombie Wilkinson, they have kindly offered a 25% alumni discount off their usual fees to past alumni and staff of the University of York.
Thank you
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the legacy newsletter. I have recently joined the University of York as the Legacy Officer and this is my first newsletter. If you have any stories that you would like to share about your time at the University, please do get in touch. I’d also be happy to hear about any content you would enjoy reading about.
Education has had a huge impact on my life, enabling me to live in the USA and raise a family there. It was also the safety net that my daughter found when, due to injury, she gave up a career in ballet for an academic one. And, I am very happy to report, she is flourishing in her chosen field of Education.
I am incredibly proud that my work helps students particularly those with obstacles to overcome and I’m truly grateful for the support given by our legacy pledgers because this allows us to plan future funding for essential scholarships such as the York Opportunity Scholarship which helps those who have faced significant barriers to their educational goals.
If you have any questions about leaving a legacy or would like to discuss options, please contact me at maresa.bailey@york.ac.uk. If you live close to York or are intending to visit, I’d be delighted to meet for coffee and a stroll around campus. It would be great to show you the incredible impact that legacy gifts have made.
For further information on leaving your legacy to York, you can download our legacy brochure.
To discuss anything in this newsletter further, please contact the Legacies Officer, Maresa Bailey maresa.bailey@york.ac.uk.
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