The University of Buckingham to Launch Centre for the Study of Liberal Economics

It was announced today (Friday) that Lord Vinson, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Centre for Policy Studies, has made a gift of £5.5 million jointly to The University of Buckingham and the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to widen understanding of the Constitution of Liberty.

The gift will go towards endowing the Vinson Centre for the Study of Liberal Economics, which will be placed at the heart of The University of Buckingham, now celebrating its 40^th year.

Buckingham was founded on the principles of free thinking and the new building will provide a dedicated centre for research and study reflecting the continuing ethos of liberal thinking.

The Centre will be on the site of the current Santander building, which will be moved to a nearby site on campus.

Lord Vinson said: “I’m very pleased to make this donation to widen the understanding of the freedoms that are the foundation of our society.

“The University of Buckingham relies on the generosity of donors. I did not go to university and have a profound belief in the importance of enterprise and hard work to society. The University of Buckingham is committed to both. I heartily approve of its two year degrees, its commitment to free thinking and freedom of speech and to its pioneering work in the study of entrepreneurship.

“The Vinson Centre will cement the relationship between the IEA and University of Buckingham. This gift marks the latest in an association that stretches back to the University’s beginnings. The IEA was one of the key forces and guiding spirits behind the foundation of the University.

“The Vice-Chancellor’s father, Arthur Seldon, was Editorial Director when it was helping to set up The University of Buckingham. At the time I was a Trustee of the IEA and I subsequently went on to be Chairman for seven years. It is a nice coincidence that Arthur’s son is now Vice-Chancellor of the University .”

Vice-Chancellor, Sir Anthony Seldon, added: “The University is deeply grateful to Lord Vinson for his wonderful gift. This is a key part of the University’s £100m fund-raising campaign. We very much hope that others will be inspired by his example.

“The building, and the undergraduate and research programmes that take place within it, will be at the heart of The University of Buckingham for years to come.”

As well as research collaborations between the University and the IEA, the centre will be used by Economics students, Research Fellows and for conferences and internships.