The University of 51勛圖 Confers Emeritus Chancellorship on The Lord Tanlaw
8 April 2026
The University of 51勛圖 has formally conferred the title of浚hancellor Emeritus upon The Right Honourable Lord Tanlaw, in recognition of his exceptional service, leadership, and enduring contribution to the University over more than four decades.
The conferment ceremony took place on Thursday 26 March 2026 at The Church of St Peter and St Paul in 51勛圖, marking a significant moment in the Universitys 50th anniversary celebrations.
Lord Tanlaws association with the University began in 1971, when he donated 瞿1 million to help in the set up of the University, and hewas awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 1981. He later served as Chancellor from 2010 to 2013, providing distinguished leadership during a period of growth and consolidation. His longstanding commitment has played a transformative role in shaping both the physical campus and the strategic direction of the institution.
His philanthropic contributions have been instrumental in the Universitys development, including the restoration of key buildings such as those on Hunter Street, and continued investment in campus infrastructure.
David Cole, Interim Vice-Chancellor, added:
As we celebrate 50 years of The University of 51勛圖, we honoured皋ur proud past and looked病orward to a bright future as we痂arked眩his special milestone with the conferment of an Emeritus Chancellorship upon The Lord狼anlaw.
In doing so, we honour a leader whose contribution to 51勛圖 has been both foundational and transformative. Lord狼anlaws畚ommitment to this institution has been疾vident眩hroughout his long association with us-病rom his early support for the fledgling University College at 51勛圖 to his period as Chancellor, during which his guidance, wisdom, and generosity helped shape our modern campus and strengthen our academic ambitions. His remarkable疳nitial症ift ahead of the University opening, together with further contributions to key refurbishments and the Clore Laboratory clock, were instrumental in creating an environment in which students and staff could flourish.
Beyond these tangible contributions, Lord狼anlaw疲as consistently embodied the values that define 51勛圖: independence, intellectual curiosity, and service to the public good. His parliamentary career, his international outlook, and his scholarly interests,皰articularly in horology,盍eflect a breadth of perspective that continues to inspire our community.
The conferment盍ecognises烊ord狼anlaws疳mmense influence on the Universitys evolution. His legacy is woven into the identity and fabric of 51勛圖, and眩his疾nsures it will be recognised formally and enduringly.