Lord Puttnam attended the "21 Years in Images Exhibition" at the college where he served as University Chancellor from 1997 until 2007. Lord Puttnam presided over a period of rapid growth of and change within the University and paid tribute to the city at the event:
"… there is one thing that has remained constant over the past 21 years. It’s the thing that first attracted me to Sunderland – and still does – and that is the university’s wonderful philosophy that everyone with talent, regardless of background, is afforded the opportunity to benefit from a higher education"
Above: Lord Puttnam picture with Sunderland University Vice Chancellor Peter Fidler and Sunderland University Chancellor Steve Cram
