Birkbeck alumni and friends recognised in New Year honours list
Two alumni of Birkbeck, as well as the college’s Chair of Governors, have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year honours list.
Two alumni of Birkbeck, as well as the college’s Chair of Governors, have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year honours list.
Harvey McGrath, Chair of Governors at Birkbeck, has been awarded a knighthood for services to economic growth and public life. With a long and distinguished career in business, having served as Chair of both the Man Group and Prudential, he has promoted philanthropy across London for many years, including serving at the Chairman of Big Society Capital.
Fellow of the college and former Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton Ed Davey has also been awarded a knighthood for political and public service. Sir Ed studied a Master’s degree in Economics at Birkbeck, and latterly served in the last Government as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
Finally, Daniel Peltz, who generously funded the restoration of the Peltz gallery, part of the School of Arts, has been awarded an OBE for services to charity and philanthropy.
The Gallery has become a flexible exhibition space which enables creative activities to happen at the heart of the School, including for digital and material displays, small-scale performances, lectures and meetings.
“It was incredibly inspiring to study in the company of such committed people, and the quality of the teaching was exceptional,” said Mr Peltz, who completed his MA in Renaissance Studies at Birkbeck in 2009. “I got so much out of my time at Birkbeck and, wherever possible, I feel it’s important for alumni to give something back.”
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(Image courtesy of Edwin.11, Flickr)