NUI Galway will become Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway

Údarás na hOllscoile, the Governing Authority of the National University of Ireland Galway approved the renaming of the institution to Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway. The name change will take place by the end of 2022.

The University Has Come At Last...the University of Leeds and its Humble Beginnings

Leeds University Library Galleries and the University Archives are sharing the University’s history and achievements through a series of new exhibitions. A preview is now available for viewing, "The University Has Come At Last."

The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. While the University was founded in 1904, it traces its origins to the founding of the Leeds School of Medicine in 1831 and then the Yorkshire College of Science in 1874. In 1884 the Yorkshire College of Science merged with the Leeds School of Medicine and was renamed Yorkshire College.

Three years later the two Leeds-based institutions joined forces with Owens College Manchester, and University College Liverpool, to become the federal Victoria University. After Manchester and Liverpool decided to establish universities, Leeds followed and in 1904, King Edward VII granted the University its own Charter as an independent institution.

Ifugao State University Celebrates Centennial

Ifugao State University in the Philippines is celebrating the centennial of its founding in 1920. IFSU started as Nayon Settlement Farm School (NSFS) and offered general elementary instruction while engaging in agriculture projects particularly vegetable, poultry, and swine production. It closed at the outbreak of World War II and reopened after liberation. It began awarding two-year technical courses in agriculture and homemaking in 1975 and graduates with Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) and Bachelor of Science in Home Technology (BSHT) in 1977. Additional baccalaureate and masters level programs have been added since 1985.

Egham Museum Posts Fascinating Twitter Thread

Check Twitter for a thread with additional embedded threads that was posted earlier today by Egham Museum from the UK. It provides a fascinating use of Twitter to communicate what life might have been for a student at Royal Holloway College for Women in 1887.

Enjoy...https://twitter.com/EghamMuseum/status/1311453097462575104.

Consider posting a comment below if you know of similar creative uses of social media to share information on institutional history.

De Montfort University Celebrates 150th Anniversary

De Montfort University in Leicester, UK (DMU) is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1870. The institution was initially known as the Leicester School of Art. Technical programs were added and by 1929 it was known as Leicester Colleges of Arts and Technology. The name changed to the City of Leicester Polytechnic after 1948 and De Montfort University after 1992.

A university press release posted May 8, 2020, "DMU's 150th anniversary exhibition moves online," provides details of an online exhibit where viewers can learn more about the institution's history.

Edmonton Digital Arts College is Closing

Canada's Global News posted "Edmonton Digital Arts College shutting down permanently" on July 2, 2019.   Reporter Sarah Kraus interviewed EDAC executive director Owen Brierly and students impacted by the decision.

EDAC operated as a private post-secondary institution and had been enrolling roughly 50 students.  The institution was initially founded as Guru Digital Arts College in 2002 with a curricular focus on digital media.  Brierly acquired the school in 2008 and attempted to offer a broader array of options for students.

The article also includes a link to a 14 minute interview with Brierly on The Ryan Jesperson Show on CHED 630, "Edmonton digital arts college calls it quits."

Accra Technical University begins celebration of 70th Anniversary

Accra Technical University in Ghana is beginning its 70th anniversary celebration on April 30, 2019.

It was established in 1949 as a technical school and was later commissioned in 1957 as Accra Technical Institute. In 1963, it was renamed Accra Polytechnic and was elevated to a tertiary status in 1992. More recently, it became Accra Technical University as a result of the Technical University Act 2016.

You can read more on the GhanaWeb in "Accra Technical University to launch 70th anniversary."

American University in Cairo Celebrates 100th Anniversary

The American University in Cairo is celebrating the centennial of its founding in 1919 by the American Mission in Egypt, affiliated with the United Presbyterian Church of North America.  

You can visit the centennial web page for more information about scheduled events, institutional history, and stories of alumni and staff.  You can also learn more about a centennial book authored by Andrew Humphreys that is scheduled for release later this year.

An earlier history, The American University in Cairo, 1919-1987, written by Lawrence R. Murphy was published by the American University in Cairo Press.  New and used copies of the book are available through Abe Books and other sources.

The university also posted an interesting short YouTube video, "AUC Throughout History."

Founding of the University of Glasgow in 1451

The Scotsman published a short historical sketch for the University of Glasgow with reporting by Alison Campsie, "On this day 1451: The University of Glasgow is founded." Campsie notes that Pope Nicholas V issued a papal bull in 1451, following a suggestion of King James II, to allow a university to be added to the city’s cathedral.

The university's archives offer links to a rich array of historical resources that include Prominent Individuals Associated with the University and the records of Predecessor and Affiliated Institutions. You can also find a link to The University of Glasgow Story that offers an impressively rich array of information on the men and women who have contributed to the University's development over the past six centuries. Over 2440 historical images are also available for review.

Open University Marks 50th Anniversary of Founding

The Irish News published, "The Open University begins 50th anniversary celebrations, " today and reporter Simon Doyle notes the institution has awarded over 21,000 qualifications as it serves the people of the Republic of Ireland.

Web pages devoted to the 50th anniversary include a digital archive with images and videos documenting the stories of students and those who've served the institution in various capacities.  You can find a calendar of lectures and other events commemorating the anniversary.

The Open University Digital Archives offers an impressive array of materials documenting the history of the institution and various programs offered over the years.

Bath College Celebrated 125th Anniversary of Founding

I'm a bit late on noting this anniversary...Bath College in Bath, UK celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding in 1892 as Bath City Science, Art and Technical Schools.  Three predecessor schools provided a foundation for the  institution: 

• Bath School of Art and Science, opened in May 1854 as the Bath School of Art
• Bath Art Night Classes that was in existence by 1878
• Bath Evening Science School that opened in 1879

Courses were offered through a number of different locations over the years prior to the relocation to Avon Street in 1960.  The name of the institution also changed over time with changes in student populations and mission.  In 1986 it became City of Bath College of Further Education. The name was changed again in 1989 to City of Bath College.  More recently, the college merged with Norton Radstock College to become Bath College.

A Forgotten Museum in Glasgow Linked to what is now the University of Strathclyde

I am creating this post using a Twitter thread from earlier today by @OssianLore.  The thread provides some interesting history for the progression of institutions that led to what is now the University of Strathclyde.  It also provided me with the opportunity to try out an app for rolling up a Twitter thread.

Glasgow's forgotten Andersonian Museum, George Street 1831. The museum was established in 1796 from the nucleus of the personal collection of John Anderson, Professor of Oriental Languages and of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow.

Anderson bequeathed money for the foundation of a new university dedicated to teaching practical & industrial subjects, thus Anderson's University was founded along with its museum. The university had several homes, including a former meat market, before settling in George Street

The Andersonian Museum finally closed in 1904 with demolition of the old building to make way for its grand replacement. After several amalgamations the university became the Royal Technical College and subsequently went on to become the University of Strathclyde.

Although John Anderson's name no longer lives on in his university or museum, he is remembered for having inspired James Watt (who was employed at the University of Glasgow to repair & fabricate scientific instruments) after presenting him with a model Newcomen engine for repair.

Brief History of Front Square at Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin's The University Times published a sketch of, "The Haphazard History of Front Square: The Campanile has come to dominate Front Square. But Trinity's famous square could have ended up looking very different."

Senior staff writer, Holly Brown, notes that the, "...architectural history of the College dates back to 1592 when the first foundation stones were laid on the former site of Old Hallows Monastery."  She concludes that while the space provides a rare setting of tranquility and order in an urban setting, it wasn't by design...it just turned out that it works.

University of Central Lancashire Prepares for Anniversary of Founding

The University of Central Lancashire is preparing to celebrate the 190th anniversary of its founding in 1828.

You can visit the institution's web site for links to information on individuals who played key roles, separate pages devoted to each of seven historical periods, planned anniversary events, and ways to share stories or get involved.  A short YouTube video provides a "Timeline of UCLan's 190th History."

History of the University of Westminster: University Press offers four Titles

The University of Westminster Press offers four books as part of their History of University of Westminster Series.  Each book is available free of charge in .pdf format on the press website or copies of the books can also be ordered.

• Hunningher, et al. 2015. The Magic Screen: A History of Regent Street Cinema. London: University of Westminster Press. 

The story of the (now restored) Regent Street Cinema. This multi-authored volume tells its history from architectural, educational, legal and cinematic perspectives and is richly illustrated throughout with images from the University of Westminster archive.

• Glew, H et al. 2013. Educating Mind, Body and Spirit: The legacy of Quintin Hogg and The Polytechnic, 1864-1992. London: University of Westminster Press. 

The story of the Polytechnic and of the legacy of Quintin Hogg. A fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Hogg, his holistic approach to education and the institute he created. This book is richly illustrated with images from the University's Archive.

• Clapson, M. 2013. An Education in Sport: Competition, communities and identities at the University of Westminster since 1864. London: University of Westminster Press. 

The story of sporting communities and individuals at the University of Westminster over 150 years including its role as a pioneer of women's sports. Drawing upon the University's extensive archives this richly illustrated book celebrates its unique, ground-breaking sports heritage.

• Weeden, B. 2008. The Education of the Eye: History of the Royal Polytechnic Institution 1838-1881. London: University of Westminster Press.

The Royal Polytechnic Institution's story is the first episode in the long, diverse history of the University of Westminster. Drawing on an extensive range of primary and secondary sources this book explores the Institution's reputation for visual spectacle and the popularization of science. It is lavishly illustrated with contemporary images.

The University of Westminster was initially founded in 1838 in London at 309 Regent Street and was known as the Polytechnic Institution.  The name changed in 1841 to The Royal Polytechnic Institution under patronage of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.

The institution became publicly funded in 1891 and the name changed to Regent Street Polytechnic.  The name changed again to Polytechnic of Central London in 1970 following merger with the Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce.  University status was achieved in 1992 and the name was changed to the University of Westminster.  The university currently enrolls 22,000 students on four campuses in Cavendish, Harrow, Marylebone and Regent.

Solving the Mystery of St. Etheldreda's College

Derek James of the Norwich Evening News posted an article this week, "Solving the mystery of 'St. Etheldreda's College,'" where he reports on efforts to learn more about the institution. St. Etheldreda's, also known as The Norwich Diocesan Training College operated in several locations from 1839 until it was destroyed during the Blitz in 1942.

  

Keswick Hall College of Education filled a need for teacher training in the post-war period from 1948-1981 and web pages devoted to its history include a brief sketch of the Norwich training college with a number of interesting photographs.

Presidency University Kolkata Celebrates Bicentennial

The Tribune published from Chandigarh in India reported February 25, 2017 on the bicentennial celebration of Presidency University Kolkata.  "200 years of a legacy," offers a brief historical sketch beginning with the founding in 1817 for education of Hindu young people.  

Known for many years as Presidency College, the institution was granted university status by West Bengal in 2010.  The 200th anniversary pages provide information on the legacy and history, as well as, various activities that are part of the celebration.

Architectural Significance of Ireland's Carlow College

Patrick Comerford's interesting new post on his blog, "Why Saint Patrick’s College is one of the architectural gems of Carlow," explores the architectural significance of Carlow College.  The institution is locally known as Saint Patrick's College and is located in Carlow, Ireland.  It was founded in 1782 and opened in 1793.

Library at al-Qarawiyyin University Reopens

The oldest library in the world just reopened at al-Qarawiyyin University after a three-year renovation project.  The university, located in Fez, Morocco, was found in 859 and it is considered to be the oldest continuously operating university.  The article, "The oldest library in the world just opened to the public," by Chris Weller at Tech Insider is accompanied by a number of photographs, including an early wooden diploma. 

Karen Eng authored an earlier article, "Restoring the world's oldest library," for IDEAS.TED.COM provides additional information on the library and the renovation project.

Government Medical College, Patiala Celebrates 60th Anniversary

The Tribune of Chandigarh in northern India reports that Government Medical College, Patiala is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its official opening in 1955.  The institution is the second oldest medical college in Punjab and enrolled its first students in 1953.