Celebrating 120 Years with the Department of Urban Engineering.

LSBU were delighted to welcome over 150 guests comprising of alumni, guests, staff and students to celebrate the university’s 120th year anniversary, hosted by the Department of Urban Engineering.

Guest speakers included Professor Barry Clarke, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and Graham Manly OBE, Director of Gratte Brothers and Chairman of the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies.

The evening began with a welcome speech from Professor Rao Bhamidimarri, Executive Dean, who spoke of the improved academic progress LSBU had made over the past seven years and revealed plans to continue the success in the future. The recently appointed President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Professor Barry Clarke, then delivered his keynote address and spoke of the urgent need for engineers and the importance of academic institutions such as LSBU to deliver the quality teaching and assessment to inspire the next generation of professionals.

Graham Manly OBE was then welcomed to address the audience about the “Future Design of Buildings.” Graham echoed Barry’s sentiments in highlighting the challenges the UK construction industry faced to reach its target of 190,000 Engineering professionals and 120,000 Technicians by 2020. The universal theme throughout the evening was the call for the industry to move away from “silo working” towards more collaborative methods target the issues of carbon reduction and constructing sustainable urban environments.

David Tann, Head of Urban Engineering, concluded proceedings with a short history about the Department and thanked the speakers by presenting them with gifts from the Department. The enthusiasm of the guests was clear to see during a rousing Q&A session which followed, as the speakers’ extensive knowledge and expertise were duly imparted.

Alumni were also invited to share their thoughts on the evening during the post-event networking over drinks and canapés:

“I am very glad to join tonight’s event, not only to see some old friends, but also to revisit memories of my old university. I am very grateful to LSBU as my education here has brought me into a fantastic industry.”
Jing Yang, LSBU Alumni, Class of 2006

“I really enjoyed the wide coverage of the built environment disciplines and hearing about the future challenges. It’s good to see old and young generations listening and talking to each other.”
Professor Derek Clements-Croome, LSBU Alumni, Class of 1959