Among those sending happy birthday wishes are actor and comedian Simon Pegg, who studied Theatre, Film and Television at Bristol, and actor Hugh Sachs, best known for his roles in Bridgerton and Benidorm. TV presenter Susanna Reid, who began her journalism career writing for the University's student newspaper, Epigram, has also sent her best wishes.
Simon Pegg said: “Happy birthday, University of Bristol. 150 years old. It's crazy to think when I was there you were only 115. I have very happy memories of being at Bristol... and just having a fantastic educational experience there.”
Hugh Sachs said: “I spent three of the happiest years of my life at Bristol in the Drama Department and the friendships I made there continue to this day. I will be forever grateful to the University for those years, and I wish it the best of birthdays.”
Susanna Reid added: “Happy 150th birthday to the University of Bristol, my alma mater. I've got so much to be grateful for. I loved my time there, particularly as editor of your fantastic student newspaper Epigram.”
Alongside the birthday tributes, staff, students, alumni and members of the public are gathering in Bristol for a packed programme of free activities to mark the milestone.
Celebrations are taking place today across the University's Clifton Campus and Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, welcoming communities from across Bristol to explore the University's past, present and future through exhibitions, performances, talks, activities and opportunities to engage with leading researchers.
The anniversary programme includes more than 80 events and experiences, including public talks, family activities, exhibitions and the opportunity to explore the University's new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
Highlights include the second-ever showing of Pollenarium, a major new immersive artwork by Bristol artist Luke Jerram and designers Pneuhaus, and an in-conversation event with renowned historian and broadcaster David Olusoga.
Founded through the determination of people across Bristol who believed higher education should have a home in the city, University College Bristol opened on 10 October 1876 with a mission to expand knowledge and harness rapid changes in the world for local good.
The University’s very first lecture was delivered at 9 am by mathematician William Robert Bousfield. Exactly 150 years later, Professor Oliver Johnson, Head of the School of Mathematics, will today reflect on the role mathematics has played throughout the University's history, from that first lecture in 1876 to the groundbreaking research currently underway.
Initially, the college had two professors and five lecturers teaching 15 subjects, with men and women admitted on the same basis.
Over the following century and a half, generations of students, staff, alumni and partners have helped shape discoveries, ideas and innovations that have had an impact locally, nationally and globally.
The anniversary comes at a defining moment in the University's history, with the recent opening of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and the development of its first international campus in Mumbai, reflecting an institution that remains focused on tackling society's biggest challenges through education, research and partnership.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “Our 150th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the people, partnerships and ideas that have shaped the University since its foundation in 1876, while also looking ahead to the future we will build together.
"The University was founded by and for Bristol, and our story has always been intertwined with that of our city. For 150 years, we have brought people together to advance discovery, challenge convention, and seek to understand the world in which we live.
"Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that universities matter because they help society tackle its biggest challenges, create opportunity, drive innovation and support communities to thrive. We look forward to working with our partners, communities, students and staff to shape the next 150 years."
The University gained its Royal Charter in 1909 and now comprises more than 31,000 students and over 9,000 staff. While much has changed since 1876, its commitment to advancing knowledge, creating opportunity and working in partnership with Bristol and communities around the world remains unchanged.