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The Rowbotham Fellowship

For many, the most impactful legacy they can leave behind is a gift in their will.

The Rowbotham Fellowship brings together donors who have pledged a legacy to the University and friends/relatives who wish to donate a gift in memory of their loved ones.

This Fellowship comes together every year for a special reception hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, followed by the Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture. This unique event is made possible thanks to a generous gift by alumnus Thomas Baggs in his will. The annual lecture on creating happiness has been delivered by guests from Sir David Attenborough to Benjamin Zephaniah.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham stood on marble steps addressing a room of people.

Rowbotham Reception 2024

Two women from behind looking at a piece of art in a gallery.
Discuss a legacy gift

  • History of the Rowbotham Fellowship

    The Rowbotham Fellowship is named for the donor whose gift created the clock face and bells of Old Joe. The Fellowship is symbolised by the clock face design and the heart shaped hands of the clock. Thomas Rowbotham, the local builder who built Old Joe, made a generous gift to create the clock face and bells, and his son Sir Samuel Rowbotham left the first legacy gift to the University in his will, to support medical research.