Duke Installed As New University Chancellor
29 October 2008
Peregrine Cavendish CBE – The 12th Duke of Devonshire – was officially installed as the new University of Derby Chancellor.
What I like most about taking up this position is that the University is focused on Derbyshire – as am I.
”Peregrine Cavendish CBE – The 12th Duke of Devonshire.
Peregrine Cavendish CBE – The 12th Duke of Devonshire – was officially installed as the new University of Derby Chancellor for the next five years at a colourful ceremony held at its Devonshire Campus in Buxton last night (Tuesday).
Almost 400 people enjoyed the landmark event at the University of Derby Buxton as the Duke became the institution’s third Chancellor.
University of Derby honorary graduates such as former Wizzard frontman Roy Wood, Heartbeat actress Gwen Taylor and renowned wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering were in the audience to enjoy one of the biggest events in the University calendar this year, as the Duke of Devonshire took up his new role.
Guests from other higher education institutions at the event included Norman Askew, Chair of Board of Governors, University of Manchester; Professor Philip Jones, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University; and Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham.
The Dome at the campus, was brought to life, not only by the visual grandeur of the event as dozens of guests wore robes of office to reflect their academic achievements, but also by musical entertainment with performances from Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Brass Band and the award winning female, four-part, a capella, harmony quartet Tone-Acity.
There was even more significance to last night’s event as proceedings took place under the Devonshire Campus’s Dome – a magnificent 19th century structure originally built to cover the exercise area outside the then Duke of Devonshire’s stables.
Speaking topically at the event the new Chancellor said: “Undoubtedly all universities will feel the impact of the global economic crisis and may face a difficult short term future.
“However, instability in the sector could just be an opportunity – as well as a challenge – because Derby is a university which lives within its means and is well placed to weather a 12 to 24 month storm.”
He added: “My new role is very exciting and interesting. I feel that I have a lot to learn and I am sure I will learn a great deal. What I like most about taking up this position is that the University is focused on Derbyshire – as am I.”
The Duke takes over the position from Professor Leslie Wagner CBE, who ceremonially handed over his ‘robes of office’ to the Duke. The gown is a stunning black and gold creation with a colourful gilt panel, which incorporates the University’s coat of arms across the upper back. The Duke then signed the Great Book.
Professor Wagner was made an Honorary Doctor of the University, for services to it and higher education. In his career Professor Wagner has also been Vice-Chancellor at the University of North London and Leeds Metropolitan University, and the inaugural chairman of the Higher Education Academy.
The new Chancellor also performed his first duty of office at the event. He presented awards to the winners of the Chancellor’s Art Competition, a contest open to the University’s partner schools and colleges in the Compact Scheme.
Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, mother of the new Chancellor, was another guest at the event. The Duke boasts a family connection with his Chatsworth Estate, near Bakewell, and with the county of Derbyshire, dating back 500 years.
The role of Chancellor is an appointed honorary role. The new Chancellor has a profound commitment to education, business and the arts. He becomes a figurehead for the University and will preside at meetings of the University Court, which is a forum for the critical and supportive friends of the University. Chancellors are appointed for a period of five years, which is renewable by mutual agreement.
University of Derby Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne said: “It was a fantastic evening: a superb event which was a mixture of celebration, pomp and ceremony. It was both light-hearted and inclusive, and we were delighted that so many groups were among our guests.”
Dianne Jeffrey, Chair of Governing Council, at the University of Derby, said: “It’s a momentous occasion to install the 12th Duke of Devonshire here in Buxton, in the building that has such a long association with his family. It is the dawn of a new era for us.”
Outgoing Chancellor Professor Leslie Wagner CBE, said: “It’s been a great evening because it reminds me of all the wonderful times I have had over my term as Chancellor. I am sure the Duke of Devonshire will make a splendid Chancellor.”
Honorary Graduate Gwen Taylor said: “I’m always enormously proud to be involved with what the University is doing. It is always a joy. I have been involved with one or two things for the University, especially with the Vice-Chancellor John Coyne, particularly in its scheme to award degree courses to people who have always wanted to get into higher education.”
And another Honorary Graduate, Roy Wood said: “I am honoured to be involved with this. The Devonshire Campus is fantastic and I hope the Duke enjoys his new role – that would be my advice to him. It gives him another gig!”
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For further media information please contact Sean Kirby Press and PR Officer on 01332 591891 or email: s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
