A new badge was launched at the University of Bedfordshire last night (March 20th) in a prize-giving ceremony.
Next year’s badge will celebrate LGBT History and is the result of a competition held with first year Arts students at the University, which is held in the new Art and Design Studio in the Cultural Quarter of Luton.
Becky Ford, who led the project, which was incorporated into the curriculum, hosted the evening, which was attended by the Head of Department Colin Davies and LGBT History Month CEO Tony Fenwick and promotions officer Andrew Dobbin.
Maria Efremova won first prize and a cheque for £250 from LGBT History Month. Callum Lee Hee Shiong’s design came second and Emma Goodman’s design came third. All three won book tokens from the University.
Colin said: “The calibre of entries is better than ever and out students have good reason to feel really proud”.
Awarding the prizes, Tony Fenwick commented that the students researched LGBT history really well and taught us some things we didn’t already know, such as the fact that the ‘High Five’ was invented by gay, black baseball player Glenn Burke. He added that he looked forward to a long ongoing relationship with the University of Bedfordshire.
The winning badge won’t be available until July but if you want to see the badges they are exhibited in the University of Bedfordshire Art and Design Studio on Guildford Street, Luton, from mi-morning till 7pm today, Monday the 24th and Tuesday the 25th of March. Go down and take a look. It’s free.