The University of Dundee added its voice to those expressing deep sadness and a sense of loss today at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who was the University's first Chancellor.
The Queen Mother was installed as Chancellor in 1967 after Queen's College, previously a part of the University of St Andrews, became the University of Dundee by Royal Charter. As Chancellor for ten years until her retirement in 1977, the Queen Mother was a frequent visitor to the University presiding at the annual graduation ceremony in Caird Hall where she despatched the new graduates with a flourish of the traditional blue Dundee bonnet.
Before she died the Queen Mother agreed to give her name to a University centre commemorating her centenary. The Queen Mother's Research Centre will aim to harness information technology to solve problems facing elderly and disabled people.
Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University Sir Alan Langlands said: "Her Majesty the Queen Mother was held with deep affection and respect by the University community. She will be sadly missed. In her ten years as Chancellor, Her Majesty 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."
In a letter of congratulation on the occasion of the University's 30th anniversary in 1997 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."
A large scale colour portrait by Alberto Morrocco showing the Queen Mother, in deep blue and gold Chancellor's gown, hangs in the University's Ustinov Room.
Notes for Editors
In 1967 Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Chancellor of the University
of Dundee attended the University's inauguration ceremony in the Caird Hall
with Principal James Drever and Principal Steven Watson of St Andrews
University. Photograph available
In 1974 she opened the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School - arguably the most important development in Dundee since the second world war. The opening ceremony took place a decade after the first sod was cut after an epic struggle described as "Waiting for Ninewells".
In 1977 she was succeeded as Chancellor by Simon Ramsay 16th Earl of Dalhousie.