HRH The Duke of York, KG, to be appointed Chancellor
Thu, 02 Jul 2015 13:30:00 BST
His Royal Highness will be installed as University Chancellor at the July Graduation Ceremonies
HRH The Duke of York, KG, is pictured talking with Katie Mallinson of Scriba PR who was this year's recipient of The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Award from the University of Huddersfield.
The University of Huddersfield is delighted to announce that The Duke of York will succeed Sir Patrick Stewart as Chancellor.
His Royal Highness became Patron of the University in 2013. The Duke of York has been a regular visitor to the University over many years and more recently has been involved in a considerable number of projects of mutual interest in connection with the University and his work in the encouragement of young entrepreneurship, which is so key to the UK’s future prosperity.
The University opened The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre in 2013 where there is a team of business advisors. The Centre also hosts The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Awards designed to recognise the best business ideas developed by students at Yorkshire’s universities.
His Royal Highness has taken a great deal of interest in supporting the University of Huddersfield in recruiting overseas students and meeting alumni in countries that include Vietnam and Indonesia. The University has also established Duke of York scholarships for overseas students.
HRH The Duke of York, KG, is pictured discussing the progress of the iDEA scheme with global music artist and entrepreneur will.i.am who, after hearing about the new award scheme, was keen to lend his support by becoming an iDEA Steering Committee member.
Other areas of mutual interest that have developed in recent years include:
- iDEA (inspiring Digital Enterprise Awards), which seeks to engage over a million 14-25 year olds in digital technologies over the next five years;
- The Peter Jones Foundation, which has established an academy in Huddersfield;
- Code Club, which now operates at primary schools in Huddersfield.
The Duke of York will be installed as Chancellor of the University on 13 July 2015 at a ceremony presided over by his predecessor, Sir Patrick Stewart, who has occupied the post since 2004. His Royal Highness will also receive an Honorary Doctorate of the University at the ceremony.
Professor Bob Cryan, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, was delighted when The Duke of York accepted the invitation to be Chancellor. “It is obviously a great honour and a source of great prestige to have a member of the Royal family at the head of our university,” said Professor Cryan, “but in the case of The Duke of York, this is much more than a ceremonial appointment.
“He has a real commitment to the development of entrepreneurial and digital skills among young people and fully appreciates how important they are to the future of UK Plc.
“When he visits us and talks to students who are launching businesses, his grasp of detail and his ability to get to the heart of an issue are always highly impressive. Also, he has consistently taken an interest in the University of Huddersfield and the progress that we are making. Now he will be at the heart of the story. I and my colleagues really look forward to working with him.”
Professor Cryan also saluted outgoing Chancellor, Sir Patrick Stewart. “He has been the most tremendous asset to the University during the long period he has been Chancellor and has shown great commitment to the role – an exemplary Chancellor in every respect. We are delighted that he has accepted the invitation to be an Emeritus Chancellor and continue his connection with the institution.”
