OU stalwart receives New Years Honours

David Sargent, long term employee of The Open University in Ireland has been listed in the King’s New Year’s Honours list, receiving a British Empire Award for his services to higher education and to charity.  David’s award recognises his huge contribution to higher education.  Employed by The Open University for over 35 years in various roles, David has been a life-long supporter of education, particularly adult learning.  David grew up in Tigers Bay in North Belfast during The Troubles where there were many socio-economic challenges and precious few opportunities.  Educational attainment was rarely a priority, and economic advancement difficult.

Joining the OU with meagre qualifications, David fell in love with the ethos of the University and resolved to gain a third level education himself accomplishing this goal in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  
Building on his academic success, David went on to also gain a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and to become an Associate Lecturer with the OU, proving popular with students who appreciated his affable charm and quick wit.

During the Covid Pandemic, David singlehandedly maintained the running of The Open University office in Belfast, serving as a critical contact point for students and staff during the crisis.  While other staff were locked down or isolating, David hand-delivered course materials, IT equipment, office supplies and furniture – enabling and strengthening the functions of all teams.  All this far exceeding his job role and remit within the OU.

One of Belfast’s most psychedelic characters, David has been an energetic and vocal activist in charity work for over 20 years, participating in the Mods & Sods Scooter Club’s annual ‘Easter Egg Scooter Run’ to fundraise for Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.  Hundreds of Easter Eggs are delivered to the children, and thousands of pounds are raised for arts and crafts supplies, which support the play therapies used at the hospital.  The Easter Egg Scooter Run is also a highlight of the charity calendar in Belfast and the sight of hundreds of mods and motor scooter enthusiasts progressing through Belfast on their elaborately ornamented scooters are a delight to see.

One university colleague describes him as “the most loyal, dignified and trustworthy man I know.  I have never seen him lose his temper…he is the go-to person for everyone in the office.”
Warm and witty, always immaculately and stylishly dressed, and a remarkable ambassador for the transformative power of lifelong learning.  We cannot name a person who better exemplifies the values which this honour intends to recognise.

Congratulations David!