29 March 2004

Statement on Peter Ustinov

The academic community at the University of Dundee was saddened to learn of the death of Peter Ustinov, the University's first Rector.

Vice principal James Calderhead who was a student at the University of Dundee in the late 1960s, said : "Sir Peter set an excellent standard as the University of Dundee's first Rector. He was a fine ambassador and a colourful, talented, wise, entertaining and deeply humanitarian man who made an outstanding contribution to the confidence and the reputation of the fledgling University. We were enriched by his association and are saddened by his death."

Sir Peter became the first Rector of the University of Dundee in 1968 following the University's inauguration in 1967.

His inaugural was held in the Caird Hall, presided over by the Queen Mother as Chancellor, in one of the first major town and gown events of the University.

An eye witness of that ceremony this morning recalled Ustinov's "brilliant oration" on political matters of the day including the Cold War.

He cut a colourful character on the University Court and on his visits to the campus when he mixed freely with the students. The Right Honourable Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen, and Brian Wilson MP were students at the University during Ustinov's Rectorship. Ustinov was re-elected for a second term of office, running until 1974.

The University later honoured him by giving his name to the Ustinov Room in the Bonar Hall. Sir Peter returned in 1992 to deliver the Discovery Lecture and opened the West Park Centre. His bust in bronze is featured in the Ustinov Room today.

Notes to editor

His full inaugural speech from 1968 is available from the University press office on 01382 344021

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk

Dundee University Students' Association

Statement on the death of Sir Peter Ustinov

Chris Bustin, President of Dundee University Students' Association made the following statement regarding the death of Sir Peter Ustinov, first Rector of the University of Dundee:

"We are all extremely saddened to hear of the death of Sir Peter Ustinov. Sir Peter was an excellent ambassador for the University, and a friend to all its students. Along with the Queen Mother, Sir Peter was one of the people who really helped to put Dundee on the map during our early days.

"He will be sadly missed, but his memory and his good works at the University of Dundee lives on through the annual Dundee University Debating Union Ustinov Tournament, which hosts the country's best debaters every year in March. In this way, Sir Peter's characteristics of fair play and fun are passed on to future generations of students."

For more information, please contact:

Chris Bustin
President
Dundee University Students' Association
Airlie Place
Dundee
DD1 4HP
t - (01382) 221 841