Remarks to: Graduation Ceremonies, Birkbeck College, University of London, on receiving a Fellowship, Winter 2024

by Professor Michael Mainelli, Chairman, Z/Yen Group, 4 December 2024

Master, Ladies & Gentlemen,

Jonathan, thank you so much for those generous remarks.

Being made a fellow of any institution is a distinct honour and triggers a small sense of pride. Being made a fellow also triggers a tiny feeling of inadequacy that you are undeserving of such august company.

Birkbeck’s wonderful motto, “In nocte Consilium”, “Advice comes at night” might take on a slightly different meaning –
A twinge of imposter syndrome at night perhaps?
Are you even good enough to have imposter syndrome?

Or perhaps Groucho Marx was wrong – I should be pleased to join any club that would have me as a member? The honour comes from the institution. A fellowship means everything, especially when the institution means as much to you as Birkbeck does. Perhaps you’re starting to live vicariously, through yourself.

I was first properly introduced to Birkbeck by my dear friend, Robert Woodthorpe Browne. Robert sadly passed away in 2022. He attributed his career in insurance and languages to Birkbeck. Birkbeck gave a young underachiever the opportunity to return to education and come out a tremendous over-achiever and Master of the Worshipful Company of World Traders.

Robert drew me in to appreciate Birkbeck and what it does for our community. I’ve never looked back and, despite not being an alumnus, I am truly and always pleased to praise Birkbeck’s achievements and merits. I was delighted that we celebrated two hundred years of Birkbeck last December in the Mansion House.

As with another institution I praise, the charitable boarding school of Christ’s Hospital from 1552, Birkbeck is an institution like no other. Birkbeck is transformative, contributing to London’s commerce, community, and charity.

A friend of mine claimed he once had an awkward moment just to see how it feels.

But Birkbeck is not awkward; it is real. Imposter syndrome does not apply to Birkbeck. I hope to exploit this formalisation of my support for Birkbeck, alongside all of your support for Birkbeck, to extol the virtues of this remarkable institution and help it carry forward, faster and further, for another two centuries.

Thank you.