Glasgow Caledonian University/Peter DevlinAnnie Lennox was installed as the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University at a ceremony held Monday, July 2, at the school’s campus in Glasgow, Scotland. The Scottish singer/songwriter and social activist becomes the fifth person — and first woman — to hold the ceremonial post.
“I am humbled and awed beyond measure,” the founding Eurythmics frontwoman said at the ceremony. “I only wish my parents, grandparents and great grandparents could be here today to witness this special occasion, as it would have filled them with pride and disbelief, proving in some way that miracles can sometimes happen. After all, it’s with thanks to them that I am here in the first place.”
Lennox, who never earned an official college degree, added, “I come from a long line of hard working Scots from the times when class boundaries, economic identities and gender roles were very firmly established. Young women from working class backgrounds gaining university degrees were as rare as kangaroos in the Antarctic.”
In honor of Lennox’s installment as Chancellor, Scotland’s poet laureate, Professor Jackie Kay, was commissioned to write a special poem, which she also read at the event. The poem incorporated references to Annie’s childhood in Aberdeen, Scotland, her career as an acclaimed rock artist and her support of humanitarian causes.
Nearly 300 of the school’s honorary graduates and supporters were in attendance at the event.
As Chancellor, Lennox will be expected to take part in formal and ceremonial duties that support and promote the University’s goal of helping the common good. Her first official obligation will be presenting degrees to students at the school’s summer graduation festivities on Tuesday, July 3. Annie’s duties extend to Glasgow Caledonian University’s New York City campus.
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