Sir Lenny backs West Midlands university graduates
Comedian Sir Lenny Henry heaped praise on the West Midlands' 'cool' renaissance as he launched a networking group for university graduates in London.
Sir Lenny, from Dudley, was appointed as Birmingham City University's chancellor last year.
The new venture – ‘BCU in London’ – is open to graduates of the university who are based or have business-interests in the capital.
Addressing 100 guests and alumni gathered at the launch, Sir LKenny said: “We want this launch to form the basis of a strong and enduring network – BCU in London – where graduates and friends of the university here can come together to forge professional links that recognise what you have in common and the expertise you have in your various disciplines.
“Both online and in person, the aim of BCU in London is to bring our alumni together in a formidable network of professionals whose careers have been impacted by our university.”
Sir Lenny hailed the university’s impact on helping update parts of Birmingham in recent years – and joked 'cool things come out of London too'.
The 58-year-old star said: “Birmingham City University has transformed the Eastside region of the city – its new Conservatoire, about to open in September on the city centre campus, [is] the first in a generation for the UK.
"Its city south campus in Edgbaston, with fantastic new sports and health science facilities, is also set to open before the end of the year.
“Add to that the wider changes that have literally transformed the city over the past decade and it's small wonder we want to shout about it.
“In fact, one of the reasons we wanted to hold this university event in the capital is to show London that despite what’s happening in the West Midlands at the moment we don’t necessarily think the world revolves around Birmingham – some cool things come out of London too."
Joining the Dudley-born actor, writer, comedian and charitable campaigner at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall were other dignitaries including Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood and former Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart.
Alumni representatives from organisations including the BBC, Ernst & Young, IBM, Sport England and Universal Music Group were also present at the event.
