Royal patron to attend St Andrews charity dinner

The Duke of Cambridge will attend a charity dinner in Middle Temple Hall, London on Thursday November 8, 2012, organised in support of the University of St Andrews’ 600th Anniversary Campaign.

The Duke is Patron of the Campaign, which he launched in St Andrews on February 25, 2011 when he said:

“It’s knowing that so many of Scotland’s finest brains and great achievers gained – and continue to gain – inspiration from this place that makes me so proud to be the Patron of our University’s 600th Anniversary Appeal.”

Now the Duke will join with St Andrews students who have benefited from scholarship support, to appeal to those who have also been inspired by Scotland’s first University to help pave the way for future generations of achievers.

The private gala in the heart of London’s legal quarter is in aid of the 600th Anniversary Scholarship Fund – creating opportunities for gifted students of limited financial resource. One such student, Pamela Forbes, who was enabled to study at St Andrews by a bursary award, said:

“I never thought that going to university would be an option for me. However, I was selected to take part in the First Chances project which gave me more confidence in my own academic abilities”.

The Duke will be accompanied at the black tie event by his wife, and fellow St Andrews graduate, the Duchess of Cambridge. The royal couple first met at the University of St Andrews and both graduated in 2005. The Duke graduated with an honours degree in Geography and the Duchess with an honours degree in History of Art.

Also in attendance will be Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, Chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell, Senior Governor Ewan Brown, and President of the University of St Andrews Students’ Association Freddie Fforde, together with over 250 alumni and friends.

Speaking ahead of the event the Principal said:

“The intellectual capital of our students and academics is our most valuable possession. It is the basis of our global standing, and the foundation stone upon which our future success depends. With the support of our Campaign Patron and the generosity of our alumni and friends, we hope to make the November 8th a critical contribution to the future of Scotland’s first University.”

Entertainment will be provided by The Other Guys, a student a capella group, who became a Youtube sensation with their spoof musical tribute “Royal Romance”, as well as violinist and second year student Maebh Martin.

Note to News Editors

The University of St Andrews is currently celebrating its 600th Anniversary; spanning three calendar years from 2011 to 2013. It marks the formal charter granted by Bishop Henry Wardlaw in February 1411 and the achievement of full university status conferred by Pope Benedict XIII by Papal Bull in 1413.

The University of St Andrews is a diverse and international community of 9000, comprising students and staff of 120 nationalities. It has 7800 students, 6000 of them undergraduates, and employs approximately 1800 staff – 700 academic and 1100 support personnel.

The University is one of Europe’s most research intensive seats of learning – over 40% of its turnover comes from research grants and contracts.

St Andrews is consistently ranked among the United Kingdom’s top ten universities in university league tables compiled by The Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and The Good University Guide. It has five times been named the top multi-faculty university in the UK in the National Student Survey. In 2010, it was named one of the world’s Top 20 Arts and Humanities universities in the Times Higher World Rankings.

An international reputation for delivering high quality teaching and research and student satisfaction make it one of the most sought after destinations for prospective students from the UK, Europe and overseas. The university currently receives on average 10 applications per place.

Issued by the University of St Andrews
Further information:
University Press Office, tel 01334 562530, email [email protected]