Throughout the year, in the midst of presenting athletics coverage, travelling to Rio for the Olympic Games, invaluable work with my charity partners and spending quality time with my husband and children, I always enjoy coming back to Leeds – a city I’m extremely fond of, as I spent most of my childhood in the area and still have family there.
When Leeds Trinity University approached me to become its first chancellor in January 2013, I was honoured. The specialist institution in Horsforth, six miles north of the city centre, promotes values I wholeheartedly support, from its pioneering work placements, excellent facilities in media, journalism and sport, to its rich Catholic history spanning five decades. I am proud to be part of a university that has not only been guided by its faith foundation, but also continues to be inspired by it.
Founded as two teacher training colleges with an intake of 300 students in October 1966, Trinity College and All Saints College were developed to train the next generation of teachers, a profession in high demand during the 1960s thanks to the post-war baby boom. The mission of the university then – and now – was to provide exceptional educational experiences in a diverse community, and these ambitions are just as valid today.
In its early stages, the institution focused on opportunities for young people from poorer families with a mission to actively support social justice. It recruited students who were the first in their family to go to university, and this is something I can relate to.
I went to a Catholic high school and sixth form college in Leeds, and in September 1991, I was the first person in my family to go to university. I left for the College of St Hild and St Bede at Durham University, and spent three years studying law with a vague idea I might be a barrister. In fact, I missed sport massively, having competed for almost 10 years as a gymnast, and I soon started volunteering in the local media and gaining as much work experience as possible. It all paid off: I started work at Metro Radio in Newcastle as soon as I’d graduated, and was offered a presenting job at Sky Sports two years later.
Gaining work experience is something that helped me hugely during my time at university. It allowed me to discover what I wanted to do as a career after gymnastics, and so I am proud that Leeds Trinity offers compulsory six-week professional work placements to all students studying for a single degree. It works with more than 2,000 businesses across Britain to offer placement opportunities at Asda, ITV, Virgin Active, Huddersfield Town FC and many more.
Being involved with a university that excels in journalism and sport is not only great for students, it’s also an inspiration for me. Seeing young people working exceptionally hard to make their way into the sector reminds me of my journey – and the important role that universities, lecturers and friends can play.
Over the years, Leeds Trinity developed significantly. After merging in 1980 to become Trinity and All Saints College (known fondly as Tasc to many staff, students and alumni), the institution soon expanded its portfolio from teacher training. It became the national market leader for communications and media, and offered new courses including sport and health, which were developed from human movement courses offered in the early 1970s. These are still considered areas of excellence for Leeds Trinity with huge investment in teaching quality, research and facilities to support our offer to students.
In July, I was proud to officially launch our Inspiring Futures programme: a fund to offer financial support to students who want to start their own business, study abroad or compete in sport at a high level alongside their studies.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary year, Leeds Trinity has launched a calendar of events taking place throughout the 2016-17 academic year. Next month, on October 12, alumni, partners and friends of the university are invited to attend a Celebratory Mass at Westminster Cathedral. The Mass, on the feast of St Wilfrid, will be celebrated by Westminster auxiliary Bishop John Wilson, with refreshments before and after the service in the Cathedral Hall.
We’ll also be hosting the Cathedrals Group Choir Festival on March 4, holding a Mass at Leeds Cathedral on May 16, and inviting the entire community to join us for a family fun day on July 1 to round off a year of celebrations.
Throughout the year, we’ll also have a series of prestigious Trinity Talks – including a ‘‘Faith and …’’ series of four lectures which will offer different perspectives from a range of speakers into Faith and Charity, Faith and Security, Faith and Media, and Faith and Public Service. Dame Louise Casey will address the latter topic in our first talk on November 23.
Over 50 years, the university has transformed, but one thing is certain: its Catholic heritage remains at the heart of its character. Students choose Leeds Trinity because of the personal approach to education, where every student is a name and not a number; the welcoming and friendly reputation; and the sense of inclusivity, respect and community engagement.
I am certainly proud to be part of that ethos.
All are welcome to attend Leeds Trinity’s Celebratory Mass at Westminster Cathedral, Wednesday October 12, 6-9pm. Visit leedstrinity50.co.uk/events to book your free place
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