Recognising your generosity
The 1824 Society acknowledges and celebrates the kind and forward-thinking individuals who have made the decision to remember The University of Manchester with a gift in their will.
The University traces its roots back to 1824 – when the Mechanics' Institute in Manchester was established. The Mechanics' Institute (later to become UMIST) was formed on the belief that working people should have access to a scientific education.
This belief in education without barriers remains at the heart of the University today. And throughout our history, gifts in wills have played an important part in helping students and researchers change the world from Manchester. Every gift is a catalyst towards a better future.
By leaving a gift in your will – and joining the 1824 Society – you too can shape the future.
Society members will receive:
- Exclusive invitations to society events
- Priority booking for selected University events
- An annual society newsletter
- Behind the scenes updates
Joining the 1824 Society
We completely understand that your will is private, and there is no obligation for you to tell us if you have included us amongst your estate plans. But, should you wish to share your plans with us, we would be delighted to have the opportunity to thank you for your support of the next generation.
To share your plans with us and join the 1824 Society please take a moment to email Legacy Officer, Amy Harris, at amy.harris@manchester.ac.uk. Any information you share with us will remain confidential.
Upcoming Events
The London get-together
Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025
Time: 6 - 9pm
Location: The Cleveland Arms, London, W2 6DT
If you're a graduate of The University of Manchester, this is your opportunity to have a drink (the first one is on us!) and catch up with your fellow alumni.
We’d love for you to join us for an evening that promises to bring the Manchester spirit down south.
Space is limited so please RSVP via the button below if you’re coming along.
The 2025 Legacy Luncheon
Date: Friday, 9 May 2025
Time: 11:30 - 2pm
Location: The Christie Bistro, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL
Join President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, and your fellow members of the 1824 Society for lunch. Here you'll hear all about how your pledge is helping to build the greatest Manchester and a better future for all.
Space is limited so please RSVP via the button below if you intend to join us.
The Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture
Date: Thursday, 19 June 2025
Time: 6:15pm
Location: Nancy Rothwell Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL
The Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture is one of The University of Manchester's flagship events. The annual event invites world-leading academics and alumni to explore their subject areas in depth. Guests are also able to learn more about pioneering work happening across the University.
Ticketing information shared soon.
10 reasons to make a will
Date: Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm
Location: Zoom
Join David Roberts, from our free wills partner Bequeathed, to find out why you should take the time to make a will, and how you can do so for free.
You will also hear from Legacy Officer, Amy Harris, about the bequests which have helped to shape The University of Manchester as we know it today; and how you could support the next generation of talented students and researchers by remembering the University in your own will.
Shaping the future of cancer research
Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Time: 11am -12pm
Location: Zoom
The University of Manchester is a world-leader in cancer research. Working to reduce the global cancer burden and innovating to extend lives.
Join Dr Colin Lindsay as he shares the realities of cancer research, and the strides he has made into combatting lung cancer.
Legacy Officer, Amy Harris, will also share how a gift in your will could support important work like this and shape the future of cancer research.
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Creating a more sustainable future
Date: 19 March
Time: 11am - 12pm
Location: Zoom
At the University, we are focused on developing new and sustainable solutions to tackle urgent environmental challenges.
Join Dr James Mason as he discusses his research into shipping decarbonisation, and the inspiring headway being made in sustainability research at The University of Manchester.
You'll hear how this work has been funded by kind friends of the University and the part you can play in creating a greener world for all.
Championing Equity and Justice
Date: Thursday, 27 March 2025
Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Location: Zoom
As England's first civic university we are passionate about championing prosperity for all. An ambition we strive to achieve by sharing our expertise with the local and global community.
The Justice Hub does just that. From here students apply their legal training to make real change in their community.
We invite you to find out more about this work from two of the hub's Clinical Legal Education Supervisors whose roles are funded by a generous bequest.
Society News
Watch now: The Future of Student Support
For over 200 years we have championed education without barriers. Today, one in four of our students come from low-income households and often need support to make the most of their time here.
Tune in to hear from current students and the Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students about what we are doing to improve access, success and inclusion today.
Heidi shares why she included the University in her will
Alumna, Heidi, recently went on a visit down memory lane – otherwise known as Manchester Museum.
While visiting, Heidi shared her memories of Manchester, the inspiration behind her gift and her hopes for the future.
Now, Heidi has generously chosen to share her experiences and thoughts with you .
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Celebrating 200 years of impact with the 1824 Society
In June 2024 we celebrated the first 1824 society gathering. The day included a behind the scenes tour of the Whitworth Art Gallery, delivered by the acting Head of Collections; lunch with current students and Ben Ward, Chief Executive Officer of the Students' Union, and more.
We hope you will be able to join us next time!
Member, Chris Grey, wins 2024 micropoetry competition
Congratulations to alumnus and friend of the University, Chris Grey, who won the University's annual micropoetry competition.
2024's competition celebrated the University’s bicentenary and challenged entrants to pen their work in no more than 280 characters. No easy task but Chris was certainly able to rise to the occasion.
Want to hear more about gifts in wills?
Learn about the impact of gifts in wills
From funding life-changing research to allowing hundreds of talented and deserving students to access a world class education, gifts in wills are an integral to our community and those we support.
You can read more about the generous people who have already begun to change lives with their gifts on our blog. ..
Request your free gifts in wills guide
We know that choosing to include the University amongst your estate plans is not a decision made lightly.
That is why we have created a free gifts in will guide. The guide gives you all the information you need to make informed choices about your gift. A gift which could have a profound impact for generations to come.
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Why Manchester alumni & staff chose to give
Alumna & staff member, Sue, has kindly chosen to support the next generation of students with a gift in her will.
Now, she is helping to spread awareness about the incredible impact gifts in wills can have by sharing her story in the hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
Discuss your wishes with us privately
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about your wishes, Amy Harris, Legacy Officer would be delighted to hear from you.
You can contact Amy via the details listed below, Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.
Email: amy.harris@manchester.ac.uk
Phone: 0778 531 5906
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For more details about gifts in wills, our free will-writing service, and how you can support the next generation, visit our Make a difference webpage here.
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