Student-celebrating plaques installed on campus
Last updated on 9 July 2024
Staff, students, and visitors to campus may notice some new additions alongside the University’s blue plaques – with one key difference.
The first group of new green plaques, which recognise the influential role students have played in developing important campus projects, have been installed at four University locations.
Student-led projects being celebrated include the accessible lift in the Parkinson building, the Postgraduate Research Lounge, the Women in STEM Conference and a common lounge for commuter students.
Improving campus for everyone
Similar in style to the well-established blue plaque initiative, each details the role individual students have made towards getting a project off the ground, whether through activism, campaigning or by working with Leeds University Union.
The scheme has been developed by the Estates team and Leeds University Union to recognise the contributions students are making to the future development of campus.
Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development said:
“Our campus is only relevant because of all the amazing things our students and staff undertake here at Leeds. Celebrating the successes through the Green Plaques is so exciting as it makes both people and place relevant.
“As we reshape the campus through Campus Reimagined we want to keep learning from all our University communities to make sure we are achieving our aim of creating amazing spaces on campus that are sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.”
Where can I find the plaques?
The first plaque is located at the entrance of the new Postgraduate Research Lounge on the second floor of the Refectory.
It marks the work carried out by Polly Galis, Abiha Khan, Vicky Zhuo and Rimsha to lobby for a dedicated space for postgraduate researchers.
The second plaque is located in EC Stoner.
It recognises Susan Preston’s work in campaigning for more inclusion for commuter students, include the creation of a specialised common lounge.
Another plaque has been installed outside of the Mechanical Engineering Building.
It details Farida Al Wakeel’s work to create the Women in STEM Conference.
The final plaque is located outside of the Parkinson Building,.
It celebrates Gem Turner’s successful campaign to install an accessible lift outside of the building.
