Celebrating 120 Years with Richard Farleigh

LSBU were delighted to welcome almost 200 alumni back to their alma mater to celebrate 120 years since the Borough Polytechnic Institute first opened its doors to students. Richard Farleigh, London South Bank University’s (LSBU) newly appointed Chancellor, opened his speech to the packed auditorium by claiming how important education had been in his life.

Since its existence, LSBU’s mission has been to provide opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Richard revealed how he shared in this belief that education is a right that should be available to everyone regardless of background.

From humble beginnings as the son of a sheep-shearer to one of the world’s best hedge fund managers, the new Chancellor was eager to impart the wealth of experience he has accumulated over his successful careers.

Richard had the following tips:

• Speak to a broad range of experienced people. Do not settle for a single mentor or model yourself upon one person, you can take the best bits from many people you meet in life.
• Life is about taking opportunities. Have the confidence to take a hold of them and do not be afraid to take them when they come around.
• Think more like a backgammon player than a chess player. A backgammon player weighs up the possibilities and tries to predict a positive outcome. Chess players are deterministic and foresee an inevitable outcome if they make the right moves.
• Take risks and learn from your mistakes. You will learn the most from doing something wrong and analysing what you did or didn’t do well.
• An idea is nothing without good execution. There are lots of good ideas out there but only the ones that are thought out and marketed properly will succeed.
• The evening culminated in a drinks and networking session where guests had a chance to catch up with old classmates and make new contacts.

Alumni were also invited to share their thoughts on the evening:

“Congratulations on your lovely event and for your 120 year Anniversary. The event was very well organised and interesting. It was lovely to be back at LSBU and see the changes to the environment. The development and enhancement of the University is astonishing. I am so very proud to have been a student at this institution.”

Mariam Kakar, class of 2010, Accounting & Finance

“It was lovely to note that my University is doing well. With Richard's experience and knowledge it might be another Princeton! I congratulate the team for the event.

Looking forward to meeting more people at future events.”

Grace Cohli, class of 2004, Food Safety and Control

“Congratulations to all for attaining 120 years of existence. It has been a very rewarding evening. I am proud to have passed through this great institution. Best wishes to all.”

Aaron Yamba, class of 2011, Primary Care

“120 years and still going! Long live LSBU. Congratulations. I am proud to have been part of this fantastic institution.”

Hamida Kassim, class of 1995, Higher Education

“Congratulations on your 120 year Anniversary. I really enjoyed the event. It was very well organised and managed. Well done on your success.”

Hala Yassin, supporter of LSBU