“My granddaughter graduated from York, 54 years after me.”

We spoke to grandma and granddaughter Patricia and Lily, who both received an English degree from York, 54 years apart from each other! We chatted to Patricia about how life at York has changed, and what it means to see her granddaughter walk across the same stage she did.

Back in 1971, Patricia walked across the stage of Central Hall to receive her degree and shake the Vice-Chancellor’s hand. 54 years later, her granddaughter has retraced her steps and doffed her cap instead. 

Patricia was part of one of the early cohorts at York, beginning her studies at the University in 1968: when much of the campus was newly constructed.

“The campus was gorgeous back in the late ‘60s and still is. I’m very proud to be a part of its history.” she says. 

“Physically, it has changed a lot. The trees and shrubs have grown, there are more colleges and other support buildings, but the original colleges have retained their character despite being updated. 

“The number of subjects has clearly expanded as has the number of students. I think there were only about 2000 in my time. The red line above the covered way has disappeared. By following this, you avoided getting lost!”

“Unfortunately Goodricke has moved, though some of the original building is still recognisable. My room on the ground floor is still there and possibly still visited by the ducks – Philip and Edna used to peck the window every morning!

Both Patricia and Lilly studied English at York, as Lilly explains:

“It was the course and the community that ultimately made me choose York rather than her specifically, though I know those things also influenced her decision too.

She was in Goodricke college and I was Langwith – she regularly came to see me a few times each semester for the past three years. It’s definitely brought us closer as we have both enjoyed our time here so much, in different years!”

Speaking about her granddaughter, Patricia said:

“I am very proud of Lilly. The standard of work which was expected and achieved by her was extraordinary. She worked very hard but still managed to join societies, one of which has helped to point her in the direction of her Masters course.”

“She listens to advice, the most important of course being mine: ‘Go to York’!”

How incredibly sweet that their love of literature and York has been shared and passed down through the generations!