50th Anniversary Celebrations Kick Off for Exeter College

The new year represents a momentous occasion in the history of @ExeterCollege, with #ExeColl50 marking 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college, although their roots date back to the 1800s. 

2020 marks 50 years since we were named as the country’s first tertiary college.

This year we’ll be celebrating our students, staff, alumni and partners who have helped us become the nationally recognised college we are today.

Join in using #ExeColl50 throughout the year. pic.twitter.com/gDm6bF2UDE

— Exeter College (@ExeterCollege) January 8, 2020

Exeter College was established as a fully-fledged tertiary college in 1970, providing an education centrepiece for the community. Over the past 50 years the college has grown, developed and adapted but it still serves the wider Exeter community with a varied education offering that aims to meet the skills challenges of the future in a proactive way.  

The first landmark event for the 50th anniversary celebrations will be the college’s annual Exeter College Awards, which has been extended to celebrate past and present students to reflect on a legacy of success. The Awards, which take place in January, will be held in the spectacular setting of Exeter Cathedral with alumni, staff and students celebrated in a glittering 50th anniversary event. More details are set to be announced in the coming weeks.  

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said:

“I feel really privileged to be the person steering the ship as we celebrate our 50th year as a tertiary college. It’s no understatement to say that we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for all the students, staff and friends who have helped us develop a reputation as one of the leading further education colleges in the country.  

“It’s down to a collective effort from students, staff and partners that we have always remained true to our history of serving our city and wider region. However, our long traditions haven’t stopped us innovating and developing with the needs of our students as we continue to develop new partnerships and look to the future of what the education landscape will look like in the next 50 years.  

“Throughout 2020 we want to celebrate everyone who has played a role in making us one of the leading colleges in the country as we continue to forge our path as an education innovator of the future.” 

As part of celebrations, Exeter College will be sharing inspirational stories from the past 50 years of excellence and is actively seeking friends, partners and alumni to share their stories with the next generation of students.