The inauguration ceremony of Rhodri Morgan as Chancellor of Swansea University took place yesterday evening at Swansea University.
The University’s Chancellor plays a vital role in raising the profile of the institution, acting as an ambassador for the University and its staff and students. Rhodri Morgan brings an unparalleled breadth of experience and vision to the role of Chancellor with his distinguished academic record, and eminent career as a public servant, culminating in him becoming first Minster for Wales.
Rhodri Morgan has long-standing links with Swansea and with the University. Both Rhodri’s father and mother graduated from Swansea University in its early days the in 1920’s. His father and brother were also academics at the University. He has been an enthusiastic and committed supporter, and advocate, of its high-quality international research over the years and the university has welcomed his visits on numerous occasions. Rhodri comments on his reflection of these visits:
“During my time as First Minister, I had the pleasure of visiting Swansea University on innumerable occasions, with the opening of the Institute of Life Sciences being amongst the most memorable.
“I have always been impressed by the high-quality research carried out here – recent examples such as the development of the artificial lung and the new monitor to help diabetics show how scientists are using cutting edge technology to make a real difference to people’s lives.
“I am particularly excited by the development of the new Science and Innovation Campus, which demonstrates the scope of Swansea’s ambition and will capitalise on the University’s growing reputation in research and its interaction with major international Knowledge Economy companies. It will also help close the deficiency in the science and technology base in Wales. Closing that gap is an essential component in building the Welsh Knowledge Economy. Swansea University will over the next quarter of a century be making a major contribution to that effort. As Chancellor I want to help the University achieve its ambitions.”
Professor Richard B Davies commented on the huge credit of having Rhodri Morgan appointed as Chancellor:
“I know that he shares in our ambition to be a world-class, research-led University.
“We are already a successful University, and we are building on this success, focusing upon distinctive Swansea strengths that are particularly relevant to a 21st Century University. Under Rhodri Morgan’s distinctive Chancellorship, we can look forward to a bright future.
“The development of the Science and Innovation Campus will help build the Knowledge Economy in Wales, something Rhodri Morgan championed as First Minister, when he always recognised the importance of science to Wales and the Welsh economy, appointing the first chief scientific adviser for Wales.”
