The Chamberlain Circle
The Chamberlain Circle is named for the University’s founding philanthropist, Joseph Chamberlain.
Generous individuals and organisations have followed in Chamberlain’s footsteps, with gifts between £100,000 and a million pounds. Members meet biennially, with members of the Chancellors Guild of Benefactors, for an exclusive, prestigious reception and dinner hosted by the Chancellor and VC.
Recognition Circles Celebration 2024
Recognition Circles Celebration 2025
Members of the Chamberlain Circle have supported the creation of the new Library and the refurbishment of the Lapworth Museum of Geology, Pathways to Birmingham scholarships, breast cancer research, scholarships for young carers and much more.
History of the Chamberlain Circle
The Chamberlain Circle is named for the University’s founding philanthropist, Joseph Chamberlain. The symbol for the Circle has been derived from the ornate ceiling in the central dome of the Aston Webb Building, the heart of his vision for the campus.
He raised funds amongst the Birmingham community and beyond to create ‘a great school of universal instruction’, so that ‘the most important work of original research should be continuously carried on under most favourable circumstances’. Since then, generations of donors have made substantial gifts that have funded life-saving research, created vital campus facilities, and offered life-changing opportunities for our students.