It was a momentous occasion to witness Ray Fearon's installation as the new president of Rose Bruford College and Mo Gilligan's award of a fellowship. Ray’s presidency, succeeding the four-year term of alumna Bernardine Evaristo, will continue the college's era of inspiration and progress.
Ray said he hopes to inspire young people to find their inner voice without being limited or held back by race, gender, or sex. In his acceptance speech, he shared his journey and his love for Shakespeare, which led him to start his journey at the college. Ray plans to attend key events and do all necessary to help promote and inspire the young talent grown in Sidcup.
Mo’s fellowship is a testament to his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry and his championing of diversity and underrepresented groups. Listening to Mo’s story highlights the importance of helping young people with talent gain access to further education. Mo said that he did not have the skills when he was younger to navigate applying to a college like Bruford; hence, this fellowship means a lot.
Ray Fearon and Mo Gilligan
Sidcup takes pride in these outstanding champions, and Rose Bruford College is thriving under the leadership of Professor Randall Whittaker. Appointed in 2023, Randall has been instrumental in strengthening the college’s ties with the community. As a director on the board of Sidcup Partners, he also works to elevate the area’s overall quality by promoting Sidcup as a vibrant destination and fostering a sense of civic pride.
Sidcup has been home to RG Law since 2007, and with the help of the Sidcup Partners, more businesses are connecting and supporting each other. Several students, some of whom attended Bruford College at the same time as Ray, shared what it was like back in the day. There was a time when there were free tickets for performances for the local community. I, for one, would love that initiative to return.
I want to thank Anni Domingo for ensuring we captured this special occasion with photos and Jennifer Sims, Janet Smith, Professor Stephen Farrier, and Randall Whittaker for their warm hospitality and invitation.
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