2013 memories: Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was awarded an honorary doctorate by the OU. To pay tribute, we decided to fly our flag at half-mast. His contribution was exceptional, and he never ceased championing the cause of education.

Mandela's life is also a reminder of the value of freedom, and the need to defend it. At the Times Higher Education Awards, Sir Malcolm Grant, now Chairman of NHS England, made an eloquent speech on academic freedom.

This photo was taken at the OU's campus in Milton Keynes - in the background is the Jennie Lee Building, so named after Harold Wilson's lead minister who did so much to turn his vision of a University of the Air into reality. The Jennie Lee Building earlier this year hosted a visit by the Duke of York, who has been impressed by the practical application of the OU's innovation in education, including the launch of FutureLearn.