Published on 10 November 2023
Students, staff and guests gathered at the University of Sunderland today to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
The Remembrance event took place this morning (Friday 10 November) at the Sunderland Veterans’ Garden on the University’s City Campus.
A two-minute silence was held and a new glass sculpture for the Veterans’ Garden was revealed for the first time.
Current students, staff and alumni were invited to design a new sculpture to provide a central focus point in the Veterans’ Garden, that celebrated the contribution made by the people of Sunderland in support of our Armed Forces.
Designs were shortlisted by the University's Veteran and Reservist’s Network with the final design decided by University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Sir David Bell and renowned architect, Mike Davies CBE.
The winning design was submitted by Anja Atkinson, who graduated from the University in 2009 with a foundation diploma in art and design.
Anja’s vision was then brought to life by fellow graduate Rachel Welford, who has just completed a PhD in architectural glass.
The sculpture has been funded by Mike Davies CBE and the University of Sunderland Development Trust.
Both Anja and Rachel attended the service, as well as Paul McLoughlin, Business Development Manager at Veterans in Crisis, members of the Veteran and Reservist’s Network, Armed Forces and Veteran students.