Sussex landmarks
From high-profile members of staff and groundbreaking research, to providing an exceptional education for our students, we've packed a lot into the last 60 years. See our timeline of events below.
1959
The University College of Sussex comes into legal existence, with John Fulton as Principal.
1961
The University of Sussex Royal Charter signed on 16 August.
1964
The first graduation takes place in the Refectory, with 38 students. School of African and Asian Studies (AFRAS) founded.
1967
Asa Briggs is appointed Vice-Chancellor.
1971
The Mass Observation Archive is lodged at the Library.
1973
The world’s first transatlantic email is received at Sussex’s Richmond Building during a conference.
1977
The University acquires the Kipling Papers.
1978
First alumni reunion, the ‘Summer Weekend’, beginning on June 30.
1986
IDS and SPRU celebrate their 20th anniversaries. To mark Sussex’s Silver Jubilee, a 25th anniversary beer is produced by Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes.
1987
Brighton hosts the UK premiere of Cry Freedom, raising funds for the Mandela Scholarship.
1996
Steven Spielberg donates proceeds from the Oscar-winning Schindler’s List to the Centre for German-Jewish Studies. Professor Harry Kroto awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
1998
Lord Richard Attenborough becomes fourth Chancellor. BBC Radio 1 Awards declares Radio Falmer as Best Student Union Radio in the UK.
2001
Brighton and Sussex Medical School opens. Sussex becomes first English university to host a Holocaust Memorial Day event.
2008
After 40 years of service and 10 as Chancellor, Lord Richard Attenborough retires.
2012
Sussex is the first university to open a Centre for the Study of Corruption.
2022
Sussex installs its first woman Vice Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil.