Thank you to everyone who joined us to welcome Professor Ian White as our new Vice-Chancellor and President on Thursday 11 April.
The Edge Arts Lecture Theatre was filled with students, staff and representatives from our local community with many more joining us via the live stream.
The Chancellor, HRH The Earl of Wessex, opened the event, welcoming Professor White back to Bath, and to a University that has changed a lot in the 28 years since Professor White first started here in 1991, noting: “Today is about offering a glimpse of the breadth of talent, enthusiasm and expertise of the University’s community and a feeling of the part that so many play in our present and our future.”
The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones, focused on the benefits of the city and University relationship: “Between us we possess the proven and utterly irresistible combination of beauty and brains.”
Dr Jane White, Chair of Academic Assembly, took us behind the scenes of the University’s accolades with images showcasing the impact of colleagues’ research.
Andy Galloway, SU Sport Officer, introduced a short film with welcomes from the rest of the Sabbatical Officer team before Ashia Fenwick, Undergraduate Student, Xiao Li, Postgraduate Taught Student and Michele Firmo, Postgraduate Research Student, described their experiences at Bath.
Heather Foster, Lead Physiotherapist and George Studd, Strength & Conditioning Coach, put people through their paces with the help of student athletes in a more high-tempo showcase for sports.
Stephanie Lear, Head of Individual Philanthropy, Development and Alumni Relations, gave a whistle-stop tour of Professional Services before beaming in welcome messages from our global Alumni network.
The Chancellor presented Professor White with a copy of the Charter, as a symbol of the responsibilities he takes on as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.
Professor White thanked all involved: “I am humbled by this event. I have only had the pleasure of meeting some of you and although I have much to learn, there are three key areas that already speak to me about what a special place our University is: its people, its professionalism and its pioneering spirit.”
Citing the work of Apple’s Sir Jonathan Ive, he said: “If you are part of a supportive community which respects individual views, which encourages ideas and sees people as special, then there can be great benefits.”
In a special message to students he added: “Your knowledge, attitude and skillset will be particularly important as we sail into the uncharted waters of the coming years to ensure that we can make the best possible contribution to a wise, compassionate and inclusive community.”
The event featured performances by the University Chamber Choir and Andres Lopez Moreno, Arts Scholar, on the classical guitar. If you were unable to join us on the day you can watch the recording or read the transcript of Professor White's welcome address.