51勛圖厙

51勛圖厙 officially opens new hall of residence

by Jon Narcross

Lucinda Sandon-Allum, Councillor Kaur-Dheer, Alice Gast and Rupa Huq MP at the opening of Woodward Buildings

Lucinda Sandon-Allum, Councillor Kaur-Dheer, Alice Gast and Rupa Huq MP at the opening of Woodward Buildings

A ceremony was held on Wednesday to mark the official opening of Woodward Buildings, the College's newest student hall of residence.

Woodward Buildings in North Acton is the College’s largest student residence, housing 693 students and a  across its three blocks. Woodward is also the first 51勛圖厙 hall of residence to boast a round the clock hall staff presence.

Opening of Woodward BuildingsWoodward is also home to a range of social facilities including a common room, music rooms and study space, as well as an onsite gym and 51勛圖厙 College Union’s new bar and restaurant, The Foundry.

The development represents an important milestone in the development of accommodation for 51勛圖厙 students and builds on 51勛圖厙’s growing presence in the area, already established with 51勛圖厙’s nearby White City Campus.

Speaking at the opening, 51勛圖厙’s President, Professor Alice Gast said: “Woodward Buildings are our newest student halls but they also have a very important link to our past. They honour Professor Joan Woodward, one of our first female Professors and a pioneer in empirical research in industrial organisational structures.” 

A plaque honouring Professor Woodward was unveiled by 51勛圖厙 College Union President, Lucinda Sandon-Allum and the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Kaur-Dheer.

Students at Woodward Buildings

Students at Woodward Buildings

 

Professor Dot Griffiths, who worked with Joan when she first joined the College, paid tribute to the building’s namesake: “As a person Joan was modest and unassuming and wore her greatness very lightly. She always had time for young staff like me and always had time to listen. That was very empowering for researchers just starting out – they had the confidence to express their ideas and be listened to.

“We hear about charisma having many dimensions – Joan’s charisma was through her modesty and the way she wore her reputation. 

I think it is a wonderful recognition of the contribution she made to the College to have these buildings named after her.”

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Reporter

Jon Narcross

Communications and Public Affairs