Left to right: Sir Richard Dearlove, Baroness Floella Benjamin, Professor Steve Smith, Mr Keith Taylor
House of Lords hosts Exeter alumni
Hundreds of University of Exeter alumni and their guests gathered in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace of the House of Lords on Thursday, 4 November.
They were greeted by the Chancellor, Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE DL, Hon D. Litt (Exeter) and the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, Professor Steve Smith, after which they had the opportunity to socialise with fellow alumni.
Guest speaker was Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6 and Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge. Sir Richard spoke of his days as a spy and spy master, as well as providing insights into what it means to provide good leadership in challenging times. He also commended the University on its strong leadership as the higher education sector faces significant changes to the way it is funded in the coming years.
The audience also heard from Baroness Benjamin and Professor Smith who briefly outlined the University's strong position against the backdrop of the changes to higher education funding.
Alumni and guests were then treated to behind the scenes tours of both Houses of Parliament.
The University would like to thank alumnus Michael Pownall, Clerk of the Parliaments for the House of Lords, for hosting the event, and all the speakers. Photos of the event are available in our event photo gallery.
Date: 18 November 2010
