St Paul meets St Andrew

Tickets have today been released for one of the highlights of the University of St Andrews’ 600th anniversary celebrations; a special Service of Thanksgiving in the spectacular surroundings of St Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday 20th December 2012 at 7.30pm.

Over 2,200 places have been made available for the event, organised by the University’s London’s Alumni Club as a commemoration of six centuries of people and ideas.

Founded between 1411 and 1413, St Andrews is the oldest University in Scotland the 3rd oldest in the English-speaking world. Its London Alumni Club is working with the Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s to arrange the service, which will feature Christmas readings given by well-known graduates and honorary graduates of the University. The full line up will be announced later in the year.

A specially commissioned piece of music, composed by Paul Mealor, will be given its world premiere on the evening. The State Trumpeters of the Life Guards will perform fanfares on the evening and the Archbishop of York, The Rt. Rev. Dr. John Sentamu, will give the Sermon. Afterwards guests will make their way to The Grange St Paul’s Hotel, opposite the Cathedral, for a Reception. More details on the content of the Service and the Reception will be made available in due course.

The whole event has been sponsored by a series of generous corporate sponsors, led by SWMitchell Capital.

London alumnus Stuart Mitchell, Founding Partner of SWMitchell Capital, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be event sponsors for this very special occasion which will mark 600 years of excellence at Scotland’s leading University.”

Thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors, all proceeds from ticket sales on this site will be given directly to the University’s 600th Anniversary Campaign and contribute to the creation of a £75k London Scholarship, to allow future students to study at St Andrews.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Louise Richardson said:

“This Service of Thanksgiving promises to be the most impressive event of its kind in our University’s history. It speaks to the enduring affection for our University that our London alumni have organized what will undoubtedly be a memorable event. It speaks to their commitment to the future of the university that our alumni are coming together both to give thanks for the education they have received and to create a London Scholarship to ensure that others will have the same opportunity.”

All are welcome to join the celebration. The only entry requirement for the Thanksgiving Service is that attendees should make a minimum donation of £20 by purchasing a ticket for the reception at The Grange St Paul’s Hotel. Tickets are available from the London Alumni Club priced between £20 and £250 and all donations received from graduates attending the event will go to the London Scholarship fund. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.st-a.org