Farewell First Chancellor

In her ten years as Chancellor, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother gave the fledgling University of Dundee a sense of great pride and confidence in its own identity and ability. She brought a rare human quality to formal occasions and the warmth of her presence made an enduring impression. Paying tribute following her death Sir Alan Langlands noted: "Her Majesty the Queen Mother was held with deep affection and respect by the University community. She will be sadly missed."

Chancellor Sir James Black attended the funeral on behalf of the University. Also attending were Daniel Harper and Ross Glenn representing the University's Operatic Society of which the Queen Mother was patron.

A memorial exhibition including photographs and other memorabilia associated with the Queen Mother's years as Chancellor, brought together by the University's archives and museums departments, was put on display in the Tower foyer. As we went to press a memorial service was being planned for the start of term when a tree will be planted in the university gardens as a long term act of remembrance.

The Queen Mother was installed as the University's first Chancellor in 1967 after Queen's College, previously part of the University of St Andrews, became the University of Dundee by Royal Charter. As Chancellor for ten years the Queen Mother was a frequent visitor to the University, presiding at the annual graduation ceremony in the Caird Hall where she was the first to despatch new graduates with a flourish of the blue Dundee bonnet introduced in 1971.

On the University's 30th anniversary the Queen Mother wrote of her years as Chancellor: "I look back with pleasure and pride on the ten years that I spent as your Chancellor and I send to all members of staff, to the graduates and to the students my best wishes for success in the years ahead."

In her centenary year the Queen Mother gave her name to the University's proposed Queen Mother Research Centre, which will harness information technology to solve the problems facing elderly and disabled people; and as recently as February this year wrote of her support for the goals of the QMRC in a letter read out to a reception at the House of Lords.

A tribute to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother - the University's first Chancellor

1967 - University of Dundee established by Royal Charter. The Queen Mother is the first Chancellor and James Drever the first Principal. Dental Hospital has 2,324 full-time students.

1968 - Peter Ustinov becomes first Rector

1969 - Students' representative council and students' union combine to become the students' association. Department of medical biophysics founded.

1970 - Medical Sciences insitute opened.

1971 - Bonnet used for first time in graduation. Belmont first hall to become mixed.

1972 - Biological sciences building opened.

1973 - Beginning of move into Ninewells Hospital.

1974 - Faculty of environmental studies established. New students' association building completed and occupied. Queen Mother opens Ninewells Hospital and medical school.

1975 - Centre for medical education established. College of Education moved to Gardyne Road and University takes over Scrymgeour building.

1977 - Dundee has 2,781 full-time students. Bonar Hall and botanic garden opened. Queen Mother is succeeded as Chancellor by Earl of Dalhousie.

Compiled by Michael Bolik, Archives Department.

Next Page
Return to May 2002 Contact