A special exhibition celebrating the University of Worcester’s 80-year contribution to education, opportunity and community life is now open in The Hive.
The exhibition opening was attended by former staff and students, as well as the Leader of Worcestershire County Council and the Mayor of Worcester.
The exhibition, titled Inspired for Life: University of Worcester 80th Anniversary, charts eight decades of education, opportunity, achievement and community, and showcases a collection of photographs, stories and historic milestones charting the University’s remarkable journey and the impact it has had on generations of students, staff and the wider community.
It was opened at a ceremony on Monday attended by alumni and former staff of the University, as well as the Mayor of Worcester and Leader of Worcestershire County Council.
The University’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE, who has led the institution since 2003, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people to come and see this very special exhibition and we hope many more will come and view it over the next two weeks. It’s very appropriate that the exhibition is in The Hive, which has been one of the most significant and transformative developments in the University’s history.
“The Hive embodies so much of what the University stands for. It has opened opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to access learning, culture, knowledge and support, while also helping to transform this part of the city.
“It is especially fitting that the exhibition is located close to the children’s library, which is at the heart of The Hive. Every year it welcomes thousands of children through school visits, family activities and initiatives such as the county-wide Summer Reading Challenge, helping to inspire a love of reading and learning from an early age.”
Professor Green added: “The University’s founding mission was to help build a better future through education. Eighty years on, that purpose remains unchanged. Just as Ofsted praised our teacher education programmes for instilling in trainees a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference to the lives of children and young people in their communities, The Hive reflects that same commitment every day. It is a place where educational opportunity, community engagement and aspiration come together, helping people of all ages realise their potential.”
The University was founded in 1946 as an Emergency Teacher Training College in the aftermath of the Second World War. Since that time, it has educated thousands of students who have gone on to careers as teachers, nurses, midwives, social workers, therapists, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders.
This year, the University was named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide, while Government data continues to show Worcester graduates among the most successful in the country at progressing into sustained employment or further study.
The University has also played a major role in the regeneration of Worcester, transforming neglected sites into nationally recognised facilities that benefit both students and the wider community, such as the former Worcester Royal Infirmary which now home to its City Campus; the long-abandoned fruit and veg market on Hylton Road, which is now the University of Worcester Arena; and the former city dustcart depot, which is now home to the award-winning Hive.
The exhibition is available to view in the main atrium of The Hive until 9th October 2026.
Former students who have photographs, memorabilia or other archive material they would like to donate to the University Archive, particularly from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, are encouraged to contact specialcollections@worc.ac.uk
Read more about the University's history