The University’s new dedicated postgraduate building, the Alan Walters Building, is to be formally opened today (Wednesday 7 December) marked by a prestigious lecture delivered by Lord Burns.
The Alan Walters Building, named after Sir Alan Walters, esteemed economist, following a significant gift from his wife Lady Walters, is a signature facility for Birmingham Business School.
Devoted to the teaching of postgraduate courses, the new facility opened in September for the 2016/17 academic year and provides a truly exceptional experience for future generations of postgraduate business students.
Lord Burns GCB, former Chair of Santander UK plc, will give the inaugural lecture entitled “Comparing the economic challenges of today with those of the 1980s”, as part of official opening celebrations. The event will conclude with the formal unveiling of plaques celebrating Sir Alan Walters’ life and career, performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood, and members of Sir Alan’s family.
Its naming is a fitting recognition of Sir Alan Walters’ illustrious career, and an appreciation of his time at the University of Birmingham, from 1951 to 1968, most notably as Professor of Econometrics and Statistics.
The Alan Walters Building contains several distinctive features for students of Business School postgraduate programmes, including the campus’ first Harvard-style lecture theatre. The high quality facility also provides dedicated learning spaces, and communal areas for studying and group work, for the Business School’s postgraduate students.
Staff, students, and visitors to the Alan Walters Building will also enjoy some of the best views of the University’s forthcoming Green Heart, when landscaping is completed in 2019.