Our history
As well as being a centre of academic excellence, the University of Southampton plays a key role in the local economy.
In the early 1980s the University saw a need to do more to raise awareness of its work and develop closer relationships with the region’s businesses.
Forging new links
One of the Club’s founding members, John Harvey Samuel, says: “The driving force behind the 84 Club was Professor John Roberts, who was the University’s Vice-Chancellor at the time. The aim was to create an interface between the University and the local community to enable us to get together socially and share concepts and resources.”
In April 1984, Professor Roberts wrote to a number of carefully selected representatives from the private and public sector to gauge their interest in “a club, with a limited membership, which would meet here for dinner three or times a year.” This marked the beginning of the 84 Club.
From its first meetings the Club was able to attract distinguished guests to speak on a variety of subjects – a key benefit for members and one that continues today.
Fit for the future
While its aims have remained largely unchanged since its early days, other aspects of the Club have evolved over time. The Club was recently reviewed, resulting in a broader membership base and reinvigorating it for the years to come.
