Staff and Students at St Mary’s Celebrate University Title

Following the granting of full University title, staff and students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham recently gathered to celebrate the landmark event with a Service of Thanksgiving and reception. Formerly called St Mary’s University College, the institution was granted full University title by the Privy Council on Thursday 23rd January 2014. This gathering, which was attended by staff, students, alumni and Governing body, was the first of several celebration events that are planned for the coming year. The evening (Wednesday 5th February) began with a Service of Thanksgiving in the University Chapel, led by St Mary’s Chair to the Board of Governors Bishop Richard Moth. Guests were then invited to a drinks reception, where Vice-Chancellor Dr Arthur Naylor delivered a passionate speech. He said, “There is much to take pride in and be thankful for in the work of our present generation of students and staff. “Our staff are committed to providing a high quality academic experience and high levels of pastoral support, whilst our students provide a strong, lively and supportive community for each other. “As we respect our past and take pride in our present, we can also look forward with great hope for the future. St Mary’s, with its new status and new Vice Chancellor Francis Campbell joining after Easter will, more than ever well placed to become a leading Catholic University in Europe and worldwide with global ambitions.” Dr Arthur Naylor Delivers Speech