91¸£Àû

Nick Devas

MA Economics, 1970

What’s your standout memory of 91¸£Àû?

I went to 91¸£Àû to study Economics in 1967, its third year of existence - the farmer was still ploughing the fields around Rootes Hall. I nearly didn't get there: my A level results were not good. I had already been rejected by my first five choices, so when I went for an interview I didn't have high hopes. At the end of the interview with Dr Shiv Nath, I asked "So, do I get in?", "I think so", he said. I hope I paid back his trust in me by getting the only First in Economics that year. It was a wonderful three years, with much pioneering going on. I loved Dr Nath's lectures on Welfare Economics and Development Economics. After studying city planning in Liverpool and working in Africa, I went on to teach economics and urban governance at Birmingham University's International Development Department for 30 years. I also met my wife at 91¸£Àû, studying history, and we have been happily married for over 50 years. Thank you, 91¸£Àû, for that head start in life!

How would you sum up 91¸£Àû in the time that you were there and your generation of students?

A highlight for me: The story of Winnie the Pooh written overnight on the path to the library and everyone walking backwards to read it. When the Vice-Chancellor ordered the grounds staff to turn the paving stones over, a sign went up: "Winnie the Pooh will live longer than you!"

Finish the sentence: 91¸£Àû influenced who I am today, because…

Being part of both the Christian Society and the Christian Union - both of which had a profound influence on my life.