Principal to graduate today

Wednesday 26 November 2008

The University of St Andrews will honour its own Principal today (Thursday 27 November 2008) during the traditional St Andrew’s Day graduation ceremony.

Dr Brian Lang, who retires from the University at the end of the year, is one of five `great Scots’ to be granted an honorary degree.

Dr Lang’s award will be granted on the same day that Sir Jackie Stewart, Simon Pepper, Bridget McConnell and Dr Barbara Rae will be made honorary Doctors. Also taking on the role of Vice-Chancellor on the day, the outgoing Principal will deliver his graduation address to graduands and their parents for the last time.

Edinburgh-born and educated, Dr Lang’s eight year tenure at St Andrews has coincided with some of the most important developments in the University’s near 600 year history, including a £100m investment in estate.  The outgoing Principal is credited with leading the University through a particularly challenging period, sustaining its position as one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions.

Dr Lang will be conferred his degree (Doctor of Laws) during the afternoon ceremony by Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell, and will be joined on stage by fellow honorand Bridget McConnell (Doctor of Literature).  Bridget, the Chief Executive of Culture and Sport Glasgow, is no stranger to the Younger Hall – she graduated from the same stage with an M.A. (Honours) in Fine Arts in 1982.

Sir Menzies commented, “Brian Lang has been an outstanding Principal of this University.  He leaves St Andrews in a pre-eminent position in Scotland and ranked among the best in Britain.  He has consistently provided leadership, drive and good judgement.  We are greatly in his debt.”

During the morning ceremony, honorary degrees will be conferred upon Sir Jackie Stewart (Doctor of Science), outgoing University Rector Simon Pepper (Doctor of Laws) and the artist Dr Barbara Rae (Doctor of Literature).  Mr Pepper, former Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Scotland, has served his three year term as Rector and his replacement was named earlier this month as Scotland’s FOI Commissioner Kevin Dunion.

ENDS

 

Issued by the Press Office
Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Press Officer, on 01334 467227 or 07900 050 103,  email [email protected]
Ref:  Graduation photocall 261108
View the latest University press releases at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk


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