Timeline: Keele throughout the years
Founded in 1949 with a commitment to meet the demands of a new kind of society, economy and world, Keele was the first new university of the 20th Century and remains true to its original mission today.
1949
The new Keele estate was acquired and the University College of North Staffordshire was formed.
1951
The Queen (latterly known as the Queen Mother) formally opened University College of North Staffordshire. George Eason became the first recipient of a degree from Keele.
1952
Founder and inspiration Lord Lindsay sadly dies.
1954
The first graduate to receive a degree who studied entirely at Keele was Margaret Boulds. She received a First Class dual honours degree in Philosophy and English.
1962
The full University charter was awarded by Queen Elizabeth II, meaning the institution was officially known as the 'University of Keele'. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, was appointed Keele's first Chancellor and remained so until 1986.
1962
Mid 1962
Audrey Newsome arrived at Keele and shortly after created the first student counselling service at a UK university, a concept which is now commonplace across the country.
Late 1962
The Keele Observatory opens.
1965
Keele Chapel was opened and was an innovation both in its design and in its intended use, being the first purpose-built ecumenical chapel in the UK.
1968
Little known conceptual band Pink Floyd play in the Ballroom.
1968
A quartet of Keele students went on University Challenge - and won!
1969
Two students from Keele scooped an exclusive interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono - and even got a lift from the station in the Beatle's mini!
1970
About 300 Keele students attempted to levitate The Clock House using 'psychic power'.
1979
Last swans sighted on Keele lakes.
1980
Irish supergroup U2 play at the Students' Union.
1980
Early 1980
The Students' Union Building was briefly the seat of government of the Free Republic of Keele, a sovereign state which unilaterally declared its independance in 1980.
Later 1980
Department of Postgraduate Medicine is inaugurated.
1985
Early 1985
The main bar in the Students' Union is named 'Nelson Mandela Bar' in the support of the Free Nelson Mandela movement.
Late 1985
The Library clock which was stopped at 2:35 for most of 1984 starts again!
1988
Roald Dahl awarded an Honorary Degree.
1990s
The now legendary raft races on Keele lake began.
1993
Britpop legends Blur play at the Students' Union.
2001
Proposals were put forward by the University Arts Committee to set up an arboretum at Keele. The Arboretum is now a popular attraction on campus and home to the National Collection of Flowering Cherries.
2008
The Clinical Education Centre is opened at the University Hospital of the North Midlands.
2012
The Forest of Light was installed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our Royal Charter.
2017
Awarded TEF Gold for our outstanding teaching.
2019
Honarary graduate, Sir David Attenborough visits Keele to open our new science facilities and deliver his 70th anniversary talk.
2021
Keele was recognised as the top university in the world for sustainability at the prestigious International Green Grown Awards ceremony which celebrates sustainability in higher education.
2022
Keele was recognised as the top university in the world for sustainability at the prestigious International Green Grown Awards ceremony which celebrates sustainability in higher education.
