Lord Attenborough Installed as Fourth Chancellor

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The installation of the Chancellor last Thursday was a significant event in the life of the University. It was also a moving, inspiring and entertaining occasion.

The Gardner Arts Centre was packed with guests and members of the University, including former Vice-Chancellors, Lord Briggs, Sir Leslie Fielding and Sir Denys Wilkinson, who had all gathered for the special ceremony to install Lord Attenborough as the fourth Chancellor of the University of Sussex.

After Rebecca Holyhead, President of the Students' Union, had outlined the nature and purpose of the Installation, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed all those present to the Congregation. He spoke of Richard Attenborough's long and active connection with Sussex, which spans over 30 years and of the "extraordinary energy and vitality" which he brings to everything he does for the University. He cited as just one example, the enthusiasm with which Lord Attenborough undertook his first formal task as Chancellor - conferring the degrees at the summer graduation ceremonies in July. "Those of us who sat on the stage of the Brighton Centre close to where the Chancellor greeted each graduand individually could not fail to notice the extraordinary rapport between the Chancellor and graduands. Their faces lit up as they marched across the stage to shake his hand, and the thousandth was greeted with the same warmth as the first. One young man was moved to pat the Chancellor on the back and say 'you're doing a great job.'"

The music for Thursday's ceremony was provided by the University of Sussex Chamber Orchestra and of the Trinity College of Music Brass Ensemble. Honorary degrees were conferred on Bryan Forbes, Sir Ian Holm and Michael Stern, "A trio," said Lord Attenborough, " who have meant so much in my life." He was, "profoundly honoured by their joint presence and that of their families. "And," he continued, "this memorable day in my life would not be complete without my beloved wife and all my children - two of whom graduated here at Sussex - being amongst those present as well."

In is opening speech, the Vice-Chancellor referred to Lord Attenborough's values: his commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, to equality of opportunity and to human rights and these values were movingly and memorably expressed in the new Chancellor's address to the congregation. He concluded the address with these words: ".....I wish to say that our biggest and most important challenge, as we reach the second Millennium, is that of persuading the scornful, the complacent and the disillusioned, that the surest way to a fuller life is not bingo and the lottery but education. Somehow we have to ensure that every parent encourages their children not only to go to school, but to take full advantage of what is on offer. And, there is more and more. Furthermore, we have to make equality of opportunity not only a priority but a reality.

"I passionately believe that there is such a thing as society and we, like the great campaigners of the not so distant past who rescued our children from slavery and then from the pits, the chimneys and the mills, must bring about this revolution. For, make no mistake, that is what is required. Surely, in an age when we can celebrate so many extraordinary achievements, it cannot be beyond our capabilities?

"Every child is born with curiosity and a latent potential and every child surely deserves to have that potential developed to the full. Each failure to do so not only cruelly handicaps the child but diminishes us all. "With no small measure of pride, but in all humility, may I, on this occasion offer this great university, to the greatest extent of my ability, my devotion and my service."