About the University
Message from the Vice-Chancellor
This week and next are a time of tremendous pride for universities across Wales. The streets of Cardiff and Treforest will be thronged with students proudly wearing their academic dress, hugged and photographed by their proud friends and relatives. The first of the University of Glamorgan’s graduation ceremonies took place early this week, when we awarded degrees to our creative and cultural industries students at St David’s Hall. For us, it is a time when the University of Glamorgan Group comes together, for example with singers and instrumentalists from the Group’s Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama providing the accompaniment to the occasion for their fellow students from the University’s Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries. It is also a time when the University recognises the achievements in and contributions to academic and public life by a number of distinguished people, awarding honorary doctorates and Chancellor’s Medals at the ceremonies.
Free speech and debate are the lifeblood of a university, and we recognise the contribution of Liberty Director Shami Chakrabarti, by awarding her an Honorary Doctorate of the University for her role in the protection of Civil Liberties and promotion of Human Rights in the United Kingdom. Poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who has done so much to capture in verse the diversity and promise of Britain, receives his Honorary Doctorate of Literature in recognition of his contribution to contemporary English literature. Professor David Halton, my predecessor as Vice-Chancellor, is recognised for his significant contribution, not only to Glamorgan’s continuing growth and success, but also the establishment of UHOVI, the groundbreaking new Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute, in partnership with the Welsh Government and the University of Wales Newport.
Eminent scientists are recognised by the award of Honorary Doctorates of Science to Geneticist and Ethics expert Professor Trefor Jenkins, and Professor Steve Jones for his contribution to Genetics and Science Communication. Tony Benn, Rhodri Morgan and Dr Kim Howells receive Honorary Doctorates of the University in recognition of their various contributions to the political landscape of Wales and the UK, whilst Professor Laura McAllister’s contribution to Public Administration & Policy and Sport in Wales is also recognised by the award of Honorary Doctor of the University.
Key leaders in areas of the University’s particular strength are recognised. In aerospace, Sir Roy McNulty is honoured for his contribution to the Aerospace Industry in the United Kingdom. Medical Professor Anthony Redmond receives an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of contribution to Disaster Medicine. Edwina White, whose organisation Ty Elis does so much to provide support to families in South Wales, receives her Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of contribution to Counselling Services.
The world of sport is well represented, with Roger Lewis receiving his Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his recent stewardship of the Welsh Rugby Union and his distinguished career in public and business life. It is also the University’s opportunity to mark the achievements of broadcaster Eddie Butler, who last year ably chaired a major conference launching joint research between Glamorgan’s scientists and the JPR Williams Foundation on the rising tide of rugby injuries. Hugh Morris receives his Chancellor’s Medal for his contribution to Cricket in England and Wales.
As Vice-Chancellor of Wales’s second largest university, I will take great pride in congratulating over 5,500 students as they celebrate their achievement, donning cap and gown as they receive their degrees. That success is theirs, but it is made possible by the support of their friends and families, their fellow students, and the tremendously committed academic and support staff who make their student experience one to treasure. Glamorgan is a university whose students come from every background and from across the globe. We are tremendously proud of the access to higher education that we provide and long shall this continue.
This is a time when the spotlight is shone on universities to demonstrate the value they add to our society. I believe with some conviction that Glamorgan’s contribution is significant; we are in the vanguard of innovative change within Wales and beyond, providing higher learning opportunities which are distinctive and employment-focused. Our students, despite the challenging economic environment, are in demand by employers who recognise the knowledge, skills and attributes that they, as Glamorgan Graduates, acquire during their university career. Long may this continue.
Julie Lydon is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glamorgan & Chief Executive of the University of Glamorgan Group.