This event launches a new book, from a series of colloquiums held at Ruskin College to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Established in 1899, the College’s roots were embedded in the workers’ education movement; one that would be of use and benefit to those who had been cut off from the standard educational routes. As an opportunity and access institution (to use the modern parlance), it catered for those with an intellectual thirst and a desirous aspiration. It was also a lever for those who wished to gain entry to higher education for personal, social, and economic reasons.
Throughout the decades Ruskin kept a strong focus on challenging inequality in all its forms; a concept that varies according to time and place as well as structure and magnitude. But as Thomas Piketty reminds us, at its core it is always ‘ideological and political’. At Ruskin, this took centre stage as it challenged orthodoxies and came up with new and alternative solutions to this common problem; one that enabled its students and others to imagine new worlds and different types of society. As the book title indicates, many paths are possible when you are exploring new ‘visions for opportunity and growth’.
Speakers will include Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of West London and Principal of Ruskin College, Oxford, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Derby University, and Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served from 5pm, with the talk from 5.30pm, followed by Q&A and drinks reception.
This event is free and open to all. If you have any questions please email events@kellogg.ox.ac.uk
