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BGU celebrates graduates at Lincoln Cathedral
Students, friends, family, and faculty gathered in Lincoln Cathedral to witness the graduation ceremonies of 667 students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Celebrations took place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th July over four ceremonies. Graduates from different levels of academic disciplines including undergraduate, master's, postgraduate, and PhD programmes donned their robes to cross the stage at Lincoln Cathedral. The University also presented Honorary Awards to individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to academia and society. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees were the owners of Doddington Hall, husband and wife Claire and James Birch; best-selling historian Alison Weir; philanthropist and leader in higher education Charles Cormack; and BGU’s previous Chancellor Dame Judith Mayhew-Jonas DBE. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship was Managing Director of LAGAT College and Trustee and Vice Chair of LEAP Hannah Spencer; and Lincoln BIG member John O’Donoghue. The event marked the last graduation presided over by The Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil, following his retirement announcement in March. Professor Neil said: “Graduation is the high point for all our final year students, and we are so fortunate in Lincoln for that celebration to take place in one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. “This is a truly special occasion and I know that our students and their friends and families will have had a memorable day in the city.” -
International scholars address challenges facing religious values in a world of pandemics
The 23rd International Seminar on Religious Education and Values (ISREV) conference was held at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln. The biennial event, which took place from Sunday 30th July to Friday 4th August, brought together over 80 religious education scholars and specialists from 17 countries to explore the intersection of religion, values, and education amidst the challenges posed by plagues and pandemics. The conference theme, "Plagues and Pandemics of our Time: Challenges for Religious, Values, and Worldview Education," saw 84 scholars present their papers during the week-long gathering. Attendees participated in plenary meetings and smaller collegial groups, with some members joining online. The event marked only the third time since its inception that ISREV has convened in England. The choice of Bishop Grosseteste University as the venue for this year's conference was significant, given the university's strong focus on religious education research. Under the leadership of Professor Leslie J Francis and Professor Julian Stern, both key figures within ISREV and the World Religions and Education Research Unit (WRERU) based at BGU, the institution has become a hub for scholars working in the field of religious education. Professor Francis, Vice-President of ISREV and Professor of Religions, Education, and Psychology at BGU was one of the 35 scholars present at the first meeting of ISREV in 1978. He said: “With a combined faculty of 47 scholars working in the fields of religious education, WRERU at BGU now has the strongest group of active researchers in religious education within the UK.” At this year’s conference, Professor Francis delivered a memorial lecture for John Hull, one of ISREV's founding members. He said: “My lecture drew attention to John’s challenge to the churches to step up to the task of providing quality and credible Christian nurture within local congregations. “After the pandemic, John’s vision for the role of local churches may no longer be sustainable, and the shift of emphasis must now move to the role of family within the home. “I believe that to sustain a future for the transmission of faith to the next generation, churches now need to concentrate resources on equipping churchgoing parents to step up to the task, collaborating with local churches and church schools." ISREV is not a faith-based or an inter-faith association. With a diverse membership representing various religious traditions and secular specialists, the organisation seeks to promote high-quality research. The meetings provide an opportunity for scholars from all backgrounds to come together and engage in critical discussions on religious values and education research. Professor Julian Stern, General Secretary of ISREV and Professor of Education and Religion at BGU said: "Religion, other worldviews, and education cross paths every day, whether in schools or universities, churches, temples, synagogues, or mosques, or homes and local communities. “There is a body of scholars, now brought together here at BGU, who explore the relationship between a whole range of religious and non-religious worldviews and education. It is only the third time since 1978 that ISREV has met in England, and we are proud to host it BGU.” -
BGSU celebrates Lincoln Pride
Bishop Grosseteste University Students' Union made their presence known at Lincoln Pride with a colourful stand of freebies and useful information. This year's Pride took place across Lincoln City Centre, with the main event held at Tentercroft Street car park and BGSU's stall pitched at the marketplace. Representing the Union and the University were BGSU President Connor Short, Vice President: Education Emily Allden, Accessability Officer Tristan Campbell-Owen and BGU Governance Officer Craig Ferguson. Connor said:" We had a brilliant day, meeting new people, giving out freebies, and enjoying the buzzing atmosphere. "Many of us found ourselves talking with young people who are currently looking at going to university and we were able to use this opportunity to talk about all the fantastic work done by both BG and BGSU to support the community. Lots of students commented on how friendly and approachable we were, which is always welcome feedback! "The importance of this annual event can not be understated, it provides the people of Lincoln not only a safe space to express themselves but also an opportunity for local institutions and organisations to show their support as allies of the LGBTQ+ community." -
Lead and Change NUS 2023
BGSU President Connor Short recently attended the 2023 Lead and Change Conference at Roehampton University in London. From August 1st to 3rd, representatives from Students' Union's across the country enjoyed a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming academic year. Officer Teams were able to engage with counterparts from various universities and delve into the pressing issues affecting their respective student populations, gaining valuable insights and sharing ideas. Connor attended NUS-led seminars exploring issues of welfare, cost of living, gender equality and representation. He said: "Lead and Change provides student leaders like myself with the opportunity to meet delegates from all over the UK, to learn, develop, and grow our provision for supporting students. "While there, I had the chance to grow a network of like-minded student leaders, each eager to develop their institution and influence legislation to the betterment of students. This annual event was a perfect opportunity to put BGU and its students on the national stage, advocating for what we believe in." -
Lincoln Film Society returns to The Venue
We were excited to recently welcome Lincoln Film Society (LFS) back to The Venue for its first showing since the pandemic. Three and a half years after global lockdowns interrupted 67 consecutive seasons of bringing the best of world and independent cinema to Lincoln, LFS has returned to its home at The Venue cinema at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). The Venue - BGU's 230-seat on-site cinema and performance space - recently hosted the launch of the society's 70th season with a showing of The Blue Caftan, with 200 members in attendance. On 29th September, 174 members enjoyed a screening of Chilean-Argentine drama film 1976. The society was started in 1953 by a group of film enthusiasts who wanted to show films that never appeared in cinemas. Each film season runs from autumn to the following spring each year, with 275 active members welcome to attend any screening. Lincoln Film Society's Chair, Richard Hall said: "After so long away, we feared we might never return, but thanks to the excellent relationship we have with Bishop Grosseteste University, we are back in the place we call home." The re-opening of The Venue was made possible thanks to a collaborative effort of BGU staff members. Over the last year, BGU Enterprise Development Manager Sarah Moseley took on the challenge of reinvigorating The Venue as part of a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. The plans became a reality after vital contributions from the University's IT department, Conferencing and Events team and Students' Union. Looking to the future, the group will visit The Venue for fortnightly screenings. Click here to explore more of BGU's upcoming events. Stay up to date with The Venue here. -
New students welcomed at Lincoln Cathedral Matriculation
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) ushered in a new academic year with a matriculation ceremony held at Lincoln Cathedral, marking the official induction of the university's fresh cohort of students. Matriculation is a time-honoured tradition in few British universities, signifying the formal enrolment of students into their respective academic programmes. It is a ceremony steeped in tradition and heritage, during which students don academic robes, recite an oath of commitment to their studies, and receive a symbolic matriculation certificate. The matriculation ceremony featured speeches from various members of the BGU community, extending warm welcomes and encouraging words to the incoming students. These speeches, delivered by faculty members and student representatives, emphasised the significance of the moment and the support that the university offers to its students throughout their academic journey. The event was not only a celebration of academic beginnings but it also marked Professor Karen Stanton's first matriculation since taking the post of Vice-Chancellor of the University. In her inaugural matriculation address, Professor Stanton spoke to the students about three 'T's that would characterise their journey with BGU - transition, transformation, and time. She said: "For our incoming students, this marks the start of a new chapter. A transition from the familiar to the unknown; from the comfort of the past to the excitement of the future. "The transformation that will take place during your time here will not only be academic, but personal and profound. "How you use your time here will determine the depth of your learning, the breadth of your experiences, and the impact you leave on this university and the world beyond. Your time here is a chance to shape your future and contribute meaningfully to the world. "So, as you matriculate into Bishop Grosseteste University, embrace this transition, relish the transformation that awaits, and use your time wisely. "Welcome Class of 2023. May your journey begin with growth, discovery, and fulfilment." The ceremony concluded with a performance by the BGU choir and the procession made its way to the Dean's Green, ready for the traditional group matriculation photo. If you missed the ceremony you can still watch it here. -
TEDx hosts BGU lecturer
‘Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Lecturer Steph Blanco will be discussing neuropsychology at an upcoming TEDx Talk. TEDxBrayford Pool’s sixth flagship event is back to explore spectrums of ideas in our communities and runs for the whole weekend of 14 and 15 October. The event will host 20 speakers and offer attendees the opportunity to engage in 18 different workshops across the weekend. Professional thinkers and speakers will be presenting on a range of topics at this flagship event including activism, the arts and social change. Vice-Chair and lead of the medical advisory board for the national charity FND Dimensions and BGU Lecturer in Psychology Steph Blanco will be presenting her talk on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This talk explores the role of neuropsychology in an area which is under-researched and has long been misunderstood. As the first TEDx talk on this topic, this event will bring discussions of FND to a global stage. Steph is a neuropsychologist, an established researcher, and an emerging leading expert in FND; translating the lessons she learns though research to practical applications and practice in the third sector. Steph’s talk titled “The Flat Brain: Functional Neurological Disorder” will be hosted at Session Two: Showing Up on Saturday 14 October at 5:45pm in the Engine Shed (Lincoln city centre). She will also be hosting two fireside chats one on Saturday which explores the impacts of hidden conditions and ableism and one on Sunday titled “We need more data” exploring data constraints in health and illness related research. Bishop Grosseteste University's relationship with TEDx is long established, with many academic staff having previously participated in this community focused and innovative event. Two of the TEDx curators have connections to BGU – graduate Owen Tonks-Lewis and former lecturer Andy Farenden. Owen Tonks-Lewis said: “We’re really excited to build on last year’s programme and activities that showcases what a remarkable place we live in with our fantastic speaker programme. If you’re not sure what to expect; think part festival, part conference and part exhibition with hands-on workshops and activities mixed together with live speakers and performers to create a community event like no other!” ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Full weekend tickets are on sale at £35, concessions £12, and individual session tickets £15. BGU students can get a discount on the weekend concession tickets using the code BGUS2023 to get in for £5 (valid with student ID when collecting tickets). For more ticketing information and the full programme visit www.tedxbrayfordpool.com/flagship Click here to book tickets directly. -
World Religions and Education Research Unit Launch Announced
Leading researchers in religion and education are set to convene for the official launch of the World Religions and Education Research Unit (WRERU) at an event hosted by Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. The launch, scheduled for Thursday 23rd November, introduces WRERU as a significant collaborative platform for scholars and researchers to explore the intricate interplay between education and religion. With a burgeoning membership comprising 49 individuals, including visiting or honorary staff, established staff, and doctoral researchers, WRERU stands as one of the largest research groups of its kind, boasting worldwide membership encompassing the UK, Australia, Turkey, Israel, and Hong Kong in China, while its research activities transcend borders. The launch will include the delivery of inaugural professorial lectures by WRERU Co-Directors, Professors Leslie J Francis and Julian Stern, as well as the unveiling of John Holdsworth's latest book, ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’. Professor Julian Stern said: “WRERU is one of the largest research groups of its kind in the country – in fact, in the world – and we are delighted to have it here at Bishop Grosseteste University. “Researchers with a common interest in how education and religions can work together will meet and exchange ideas, advancing research in the field. Lincoln has an ‘anchor’ institution, reaching out to schools and religious communities locally, nationally, and internationally. We are happy to be part of it." "My inaugural professorial lecture, entitled 'Education and Religion in a Somewhat Lonely World' will explore how big issues in education can be understood through key religious themes, and how both education and religion can help us to understand a world that seems increasingly troubled and lonely." Professor Francis said: “WRERU has been deliberately established at BGU as a Research and Knowledge Exchange Unit, focusing on international research that can impact both faith communities and wider society. “My inaugural professorial lecture is entitled 'Faith in Religions and Education: Growing stronger faith communities and nurturing a better society'. In this lecture, I will illustrate some of the ways in which the WRERU research community is already engaged in knowledge transfer to support faith communities and to nurture better understanding within religiously diverse societies.” The launch event welcomes attendees from all backgrounds, including those in schools, universities, religious organisations, and any individual interested in the intersection of education and religion. The event will be conducted both in-person at Bishop Grosseteste University’s campus and virtually via Zoom. Attendance is free, and registration should be confirmed via the Eventbrite page. -
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