Principal’s Challenge raises over £15,000 – and counting!
Published On Thu 15 Jun 2017 by Roddy Isles
University of Dundee staff – led by Principal Professor Sir Pete Downes and his wife Elizabeth – have raised over £15,000 through the Principal’s Challenge 2017, held as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
More than 100 staff joined the final part of the Challenge on Wednesday June 14th, a run from the Medical School campus at Ninewells to Campus Green. Earlier in the day the Principal and Elizabeth were joined by members of staff on a cycle from the Kirkcaldy campus via the University of St Andrews to Tayport and a row across the Tay.
Runners and walkers were welcomed at the finish line by staff, students and children from the University Nursery, creating a carnival atmosphere.
“I am absolutely delighted that, with the help of the University community, we have been able to raise over £15,000 already and with more hopefully still to come,” said Professor Downes.
“I think everyone had a great day although some will be feeling it in their legs today! It has been a tremendous effort by all concerned.
“I am particularly thankful to those who helped organise the whole event, particularly our Institute of Sport & Exercise, our External Relations team, and Wormit Boating Club.
“We were also delighted to have the support of the University of St Andrews, celebrating our shared history. We are marking our 50th anniversary as an independent institution throughout 2017 but the many years of shared history with St Andrews before 1967 are also to be celebrated.”
The Principal exchanged gifts with his counterpart at St Andrews, Professor Sally Mapstone, to mark the event. Professor Mapstone was presented with a sculpture produced by Dr Janice Aitken from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, part of the University of Dundee, of the anti-malaria compound molecule discovered by researchers in Dundee’s School of Life Sciences.
Monies raised by the Principal’s Challenge will be used to support student health and wellbeing at the University.
Donations can still be made at https://www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/Challenge2017
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head of Corporate Communications
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384910
Mobile: 07800 581902
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk