Diamond Jubilee and Forum opening celebrations

During the visit, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh met University staff and students and representatives of the counties of Devon and Cornwall. They toured the Forum, watched music and theatre performances by students and found out about some of the Unviersity's cutting-edge research. They then joined guests for a Devon and Cornwall-themed lunch, prepared by University chefs.

The £48 million Forum development houses a new Student Services Centre, an extended and refurbished Library, new technology-rich learning spaces, a 400-seat lecture theatre, retail and catering outlets, a landscaped piazza and a new University reception, ensuring the University of Exeter offers an outstanding experience for students.

Michele Shoebridge, Deputy Registrar and Director of Academic Services, recorded a short video before the Forum launch to thank AS staff for their continued hard work and patience. If you haven’t already, please take a couple of minutes to have a look at how the Forum Project has taken shape.

Below are some staff highlights from the day:

“From starting the day with the police search dogs in Northcote House, to the incredible student musical performances and the Queen's official opening in the Auditorium, the day was truly memorable. Although I won't work directly from the Forum, I've been seeking every and any excuse to pay a daily visit!"
Rory Cunningham

"The arrival of Her Majesty and Prince Philip created an incredible excitement in the Forum and was the pinnacle of a wonderful day I will never forget."
Zac Nashed

"After five years of planning, one of my best moments was the official countdown to the doors opening, to welcome students into the Forum for the first time"
Michele Shoebridge

"Seeing the SSC functioning as if it had always been there... after a lot of planning and hard work across all departments, our students settled straight in, asking questions and using the space as we have always envisaged!"
Anna Russell 

"Looking through the Career Zone windows at the hundreds of students queuing to come in. I know it was for the free cake but I like to think it was pure excitement at not having to walk to the far end of campus for some careers advice!
Leanne Fennell-Green

"Having over 1000 students through the doors of the Exploration Lab on the first day. One of our academics commented ‘we can do far more together than we can do on our own’ and that’s what this room is all about."
Martin Myhill