History
The university's roots can be traced back to 1901, when Sunderland Technical College was established as a municipal training college on Green Terrace (the site of the former Galen Building). It was the first to offer sandwich courses. Pharmacy and naval architecture departments were established in 1921 and 1922 respectively. The Students' Union was first established in 1923, From 1930, some students in the Faculty of Applied Science read for degrees of the University of Durham. Also in 1930, a Mining Department was established and pharmacy students could read for the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree of the University of London.
In the 1960s, a PDP-8 hybrid computer was installed at the Chester Road site.
A new complex of buildings, including a new Students Union and Hall of Residence facilities, on nearby Chester Road was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1964.
Sunderland Polytechnic was established on 26th January 1969, incorporating the Technical College, the School of Art (which was also established in 1901) and the Sunderland Teacher Training College (established in 1908). In 1992, the Polytechnic gained university status.
The university was recognised by The Guardian as England's best new university in 2001, and in 2005 was named by The Times Higher Education Supplement as the top university in England for providing the best student experience.
Lord Puttnam became the university's first Chancellor in 1998. The Sunderland Empire Theatre was the regular venue for the graduation ceremonies, although they have been hosted at the Stadium of Light since 2004. In July 2007, he stepped down as Chancellor to become the Chancellor of the Open University. On 23 May 2008 the University announced that former Olympic athlete Steve Cram had been appointed as Chancellor and would be officially installed at a ceremony on 27 June 2008.
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