A journey through time with Steve Malkin
Our alumni community spans Woolwich Polytechnic, Thames Polytechnic to present day University of Greenwich
From our beginnings as Woolwich Polytechnic in 1890 – the UK’s second Polytechnic – through to Thames Polytechnic, multiple incorporations of colleges such as Dartford in the 70s and the Natural Resources Institute in the 90s, present day University of Greenwich has remained committed to its vision. That being, providing accessible, transformative support and learning to everyone while breaking down barriers to deliver education without boundaries. Our name may have changed over the years, but the university has always been a place where history and innovation intertwine.
From this project, emerged the idea to create a video that would follow alumnus and university strategic partner Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of Planet Mark, on a journey from the old Thames Poly campus in Woolwich and the surrounding areas to the Greenwich campus.
Steve’s academic foundation began at Thames Polytechnic in civil engineering, giving him the problem-solving mindset that would define his approach to sustainability challenges. He went on to found Planet Mark, a leading force in the promotion and delivery of net zero initiatives across the UK.
Steve was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate of Science in 2025, in recognition of his commitment to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills they will need to drive forward meaningful environmental change.
In 2023, Planet Mark became an official strategic partner of the university – Steve commented:
“It’s even more meaningful because I graduated from Thames Polytechnic (now the University of Greenwich ) in 1988 with a B.Eng in Civil Engineering, after being let in on a concessional entry. I’d failed A-level maths (not ideal for an engineer!), but they gave me a second chance. That chance shaped my life. And now, years later, Planet Mark is partnering with the university, supporting student pathways, co-creating sustainability courses, and working with Simon Goldsmith and the brilliant team to help take the University of Greenwich to net zero. This award has re-energised me. I’m more determined than ever to keep going, do more, and keep building this partnership with a place that’s played such a big part in my journey.”
Our alumni community is at the core of our institution's enduring legacy and in 2024, the Alumni and Fundraising Team led a major campaign encouraging alumni to reconnect with us.
We are grateful to alumni who got back in touch and it was encouraging to have met many of you at the first ever alumni reunion in May 2025 here on the Greenwich campus.
Many attendees were visiting the Greenwich campus for the first time, having previously studied at our Woolwich or Dartford campuses.
The day was packed with activities, including a keynote address, quick-fire academic talks, and inspiring alumni speakers. Guests enjoyed an al-fresco BBQ lunch, guided campus tours led by student ambassadors, and special access to the Painted Hall, courtesy of our strategic partner, the Old Royal Naval College.
For those alumni who stayed for dinner, they reconvened for a drinks reception as golden hour turned the campus into a warm, summery setting while alumnus David Crocker toasted to a wonderful day of reconnection, memories made and hopefully the beginning of many more touch points for those in attendance.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly warm and positive, with many expressing a deep sense of pride and belonging
Thank you to our university strategic partners
We raised over £200 from raffle tickets with proceeds going to the Greenwich Annual Fund to support students facing financial hardship. Thank you to our partners: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Students’ Union, Re:Water, Charlton Athletic Football Club, RSK and Kent Cricket for their generous contributions to the raffle prizes as well as goodies throughout the day.
What next? Reconnect with us.
The journey does not stop at this year’s reunion or at this video. We want to know where you are today and offer you the opportunity to reconnect with Greenwich to gain insights into alumni benefits, events, news, ways to get involved and so much more.
We mostly email, so if you have updated your email raecently, or are eager to join our mailing list then we invite you to get in touch by updating your details.
- Join over 300,000 other alumni today and reconnect with us!
- Follow us today via social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.
- Join us via our alumni community groups: LinkedIn (all alumni) or our Woolwich and Thames Polytechnic Facebook Group.