131. City, University of London – Rector’s Dinner

The Rector of City, University of London is the Lord Mayor, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley – as Master Water Conservator and part of the Alumni I was invited to attend the Rector’s Black Tie Dinner earlier this week.

This splendid celebration of education in the City of London, was held in the Mansion House with over 250 people enjoying excellent food and wine.

The Lord Mayor, a passionate teacher gave a rousing speech on the importance of education to society and he was followed by Clare Verga, the Principal of the City of London Academy, based in Islington. This Academy is supported by both the University and the City of London Corporation and is in one of the most deprived areas of London. Clare gave an impassioned description of how she has turned the Academy around since her arrival in 2012 to become one of the top performing schools in the UK with 92% of students going on to University. Clare was followed by Sophia Kichou a recent graduate from City, University of London who gave a vivid description of her life living in hostel accommodation and balancing two jobs with university life to enable her to support herself. Sophia successfully graduated in 2016 and is currently part of the Speaker of the House of Commons Parliamentary Placement Scheme, working for an MP. It was an inspirational speech and she rightly received a standing ovation.

Many thanks to the Lord Mayor and the University for including me in this stimulating evening.

Photographs show the invitation and menu card and the Lord Mayor addressing us all.