The University of Exeter has named its alumnus, Sir Sajid Javid, as chair of its upcoming fundraising campaign. The philanthropic scheme, which is scheduled to launch in 2026, has been profiled as a ‘big change’ by Devon Live. Aiming to raise £150 million in contributions by 2030, the scheme also aims to deliver 150,000 volunteering hours from alumni and supporters over the decade. The importance of this campaign not only lies in the appointment of Sir Sajid Javid as its chair but also in the transformative impact it will have on our university.
Aiming to raise £150 million in contributions by 2030, the scheme also aims to deliver 150,000 volunteering hours from alumni and supporters over the decade.
Since graduating from the University of Exeter in 1991, with a degree in Economics and Politics, Sir Sajid Javid has had a ‘remarkable career’, as described by the university. Having held senior roles within the UK government, including Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary and Health Secretary, he also spent two decades in international investment banking before his time in politics. With a career profile like that, it is a very exciting moment that an Exeter alumnus leads such an important scheme for our university.
Sir Sajid will be succeeding Gerry Brown, an Exeter alumnus of 1966, who previously guided this scheme throughout the duration of its private and preparatory stage. Gerry Brown co-led the ‘highly successful’ predecessor campaign, which raised over £71 million and secured over 100,000 volunteering hours.
In a press release from the university, Sir Sajid said: “I am thrilled to accept this role. Exeter has played a pivotal role in my life, and I am delighted to be able to give back to my university in this way. I encourage fellow alumni and supporters to join us in this endeavour as we strengthen Exeter’s position as one of the world’s great universities.”
“I am thrilled to accept this role. Exeter has played a pivotal role in my life, and I am delighted to be able to give back to my university in this way.”
Sir Sajid Javid
In the wider scheme, this campaign fits in with Exeter’s 2030 Strategy. This strategy emphasises the ‘power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.’
Whilst full details of the campaign won’t be provided until next year, there are several expectations that come as a result of this announcement so far. The funds provided by this scheme are expected to support research and student opportunities, hopefully widening student opportunities in the form of bursaries and scholarships. This can take place due to the ambitious scale of this new campaign, positioning itself larger than the previous one, reflecting growth in Exeter’s aspirations and continuity of philanthropy.
