Hedgerow planting marks start of 10th anniversary celebrations

Staff, student representatives and partners gathered at the University of Suffolk’s campus to mark the 10th anniversary since becoming an independent university.

The first celebrations were held on Monday 7 September with two long serving members of staff invited to plant the first of 10 hawthorn and blackthorn shrubs for a new hedgerow on campus, reflecting the University’s commitment to creating sustainable green spaces and habitats for birds and insects. 

The day also provided an opportunity to bring together staff and guests from across the county to hear more about the University’s new strategy, which outlines its commitment to teaching and research, to being a successful civic university and to making a positive impact in the region. 

The 10th anniversary celebrations will be taking place over the next year and the University is welcoming students, staff, local businesses and the community to join in. In the autumn, the University will host Ipswich’s first TEDx talk with six keynote speakers, as well as welcoming back former Chancellor Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE for an open lecture on equality in democracy. 

In addition, the University will be announcing a programme of talks, panel discussions and other public events taking place at venues across the county. 

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: “Our 10-year anniversary is a landmark moment for everyone who has studied and worked here or partnered with us over the last decade. As the county’s only University, we are committed to making a positive impact on our community through education, research and collaboration. 

“Celebration and information events will be taking place throughout the year and I hope to welcome guests from around the county to find out more about the University, how they can work with us and how we are contributing to Suffolk.” 

The University was founded in 2007 as University Campus Suffolk, with degrees initially awarded by the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex. It evolved from Suffolk College’s higher education provision in the same location. 

As well as teaching and research, the university is a key economic driver in the region, with its 2024 Economic Impact Study revealing it supports more than 13,000 jobs and helps support more than £860 million in economic activity a year. 

To launch the celebrations, staff have shared some of their favourite memories of the University. 

Lucie Arnold, who joined the University in 2007 and works in the Student Life team, commented: “I think one of the greatest achievements has been the University establishing itself and continuing to develop its reputation despite the challenges facing the sector.” 

Executive Dean for the School of Business, Arts, Technology and Social Sciences, Sam Chenery-Morris, who joined Suffolk College in 2006, shared what she is most proud of: “One of the greatest pleasures has been seeing students develop over time. I can think of several who arrived as nervous first-year students, uncertain of their abilities and what the future might hold. I later had the privilege of watching them graduate, qualify into their professions and then return to the University as colleagues. 

“Seeing that full-circle journey—from student, to practitioner, to member of staff helping the next generation—captures everything that is special about this place. 

“It is a reminder that a university is much more than its buildings; it is a community that shapes lives and creates opportunities.” 

Fandi Ibrahim, Associate Professor in the School of Health, Sciences and Society, joined University Campus Suffolk in 2012 and said: “One of my favourite memories is not really a single moment, but seeing students develop throughout their time with us. Some arrive at university quite unsure of themselves, and then, over the years, you see their confidence, knowledge and independence grow significantly. Seeing them reach graduation and then go on to build careers or continue with postgraduate study elsewhere is always very rewarding.” 

Details on events through the 10th anniversary year will be published on the events pages of the website here. 

Read the University of Suffolk’s new strategic themes here.