Donations made in Wills have a special role in the progress we make at the University of London. They are always deeply personal, each with its own unique story of a life changed through study.  

This year, we talked to Dr Carl Wright about his thoughtful and generous decision to support the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS) with a legacy. Dr Wright’s formidable experience in research, writing and local, national and intergovernmental activism and diplomacy have etched a life dedicated to service, directed by the values of the Commonwealth. We were lucky enough to find out a little more about his motivation in supporting the University of London. 

Dr Wright, thank you so much for your generosity in leaving a gift in your Will to the University. Can you tell us about your connection to the University of London? 

I have fond memories of my time as undergraduate at University College London (UCL) and the University of London from 1968-1971, enjoying the pleasures and debates at the student union at Malet Street, as well as toiling long hours in Senate House Library during the heyday of swinging London and the exciting and progressive upheavals of the late 60s.  

What was it about your experience with the University that encouraged you to stay connected? 

My subsequent international career, combining grass roots activism in the Labour and Trade Union Movement, and in particular fighting the evil of apartheid in South Africa, and then going on to become a Commonwealth diplomat and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, owes much to my academic grounding and student engagement of that time.   

What do you see as the most significant impact the University of London makes, in the impact it produces on individual lives, and society as a whole? 

As set out in my autobiography Global Citizen (Hansib 2022), a university experience, especially in a vibrant cultural and political environment like London, is critical not only for career progression, but also for shaping your life views. It determines who you become as a person, and your subsequent role in society. In my case this involved 50 years in international institutions, focusing on human rights and democracy, interacting with wonderful people from all over the world, including icons such as Nelson Mandela (a University of London alumnus) and Desmond Tutu (an Honorary Graduate of the University), to dedicated grass roots campaigners and NGO activists.  

What’s at the heart of your decision to support the University of London? 

I want to support future students from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, especially from the Global South, by leaving a personal legacy in the shape of a modest fund to provide help for their studies and research. A key reason has been my professional involvement in Commonwealth organisations over many years, often at the highest levels.  

At a time when our post-1945 world order and democracy is under threat from far-right populist forces, also in the UK, it is vital to defend international exchanges and cooperation, multiculturalism, diversity and freedom of academic study. 

A legacy is a very personal gift. Why did you choose to support the University in this way? 

I have been fortunate in life and have, through education, progressed from a humble comprehensive school in Wales to achieving academic merit and professional success. I have not made big money but have had huge job satisfaction! I feel that in a small way, I have contributed to society and global understanding.  

What would you say to someone considering making a gift to the University of London? 

I hope that other alumni, who have had similar experiences and have the means to do so, also provide legacies and gifts to assist future generations of students and to advance academic excellence.