The Open University in Wales is calling on former students and staff from the past 50 years to get in touch and share their memories.
This year marks half a century since the OU was founded by Harold Wilson’s government. It was the Labour Prime Minister’s vision to create ‘A University of the air’, where students could earn a degree from their own homes, in their own time. This flexible form of learning was seen as a way to open up higher education to more people and improve social mobility.
The OU received its official charter in April 1969 and since has taught millions of students across the UK and around the world including over 200,000 students in Wales.
Michelle Matheron, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the OU in Wales said:
“To mark this special anniversary we want to hear from as many people as possible who have studied with us, taught for us or worked with us. We might use your memories as part of our celebrations, or maybe even work with you on a video about your OU story.”
“You may have received a chemistry kit through the post, recorded a programme discussing Shakespeare in the early hours of the morning, or listened to course work on a tape player. Whatever your memories, we’d love to hear from you so that we can share them with the rest of Wales.”
“We’re also keen to know what impact your OU study had on your life. Did it improve your career, or did you find skills you never thought you had? You may even have been one of our lecturers in the early days, or a relative of someone who studied. Either way, please get in touch!”
Anyone willing to share their story can contact The OU in Wales on [email protected] or call 029 21 674 532.
