The University of York welcomed new chancellor Dr. Heather Melville (OBE CCMI) in a dignified and joyous ceremony in Central Hall on Wednesday morning.
The event was open to all students, staff and faculty, and included a number of much praised musical performances alongside the Conferment of various Honorary degrees.
The ceremony began with the processions of staff, with Dr. Leonard Sanderman’s organ accompaniment leading senior members of staff, heads of academic departments and invited guests into the hall, followed by the Chancellor-Elect, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jefferies and the Mace Bearer.
Vice-Chancellor Jefferies then opened the event as ready to celebrate honorary degrees and “other special matters,” with a quick wink towards Dr. Melville.
Jefferies’ opening speech was followed by a musical performance from The 24, who sang the unaccompanied piece Timor et Tremor amongst spell-bound silence.
The Inauguration began with another few words from Vice-Chancellor Jefferies who outlined the unique position of Chancellor within the University and his reasoning behind the selection of Dr. Melville.
“What is the position of Chancellor? On one level [they preside] over the university’s court… The other level is a little more mystical. With few formal powers, what the chancellor brings [is] a less tangible and more vital for authority and legitimacy.”
Constrasting the role of Chancellor with the Monarch of parliamentary democracy, Jefferies highlighted the dignified values a new chancellor should bring. He went on to present the long career and vast legacy Dr. Melville has forged, noting her business and financial expereince where she stood as an advocate for the advancement of women and people of colour.
Having been awarded an OBE for her efforts in gender equality, Dr. Melville has been described as one of the most influential Black Britons, long practiced in fighting for access to education and diversity.
Jefferies then regailed the story of her appointment, where she didn’t actually say yes or no, instead responding, “I’m not just going to be a figure head you know.”
After such kind words, Dr. Melville was openly touched, accepting her subsequent appointment with obvious emotion as the entire room got to their feet in a sweeping standing ovation. It was certainly an emotional expereince for all who witnessed the achievement of goals and inauguration of a chancellor so deserving.
Then began the Conferment of Honorary Degrees, gifted to guests who inspire similar qualities and journeys to that of Dr. Melville.
First up was Dame Alison Rose, the CEO of the NatWest Group and a recent recipient of the New Year Honours List, whose Honorary Degree was presented by Professor Karen Rowlingson Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Professor Rowlingson noted Dame Rose’s position as the first women to lead one of the UK’s ‘Big Four’ banks and her tireless work to close the gender gap, “not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because in the world of finance it’s the economically best one too”.
Dame Alison Rose responded by highlighting the “power of learning”, the potential of “people, families and businesses” and significant roles universities and banks can play in tackling the challenges of the future.
“Changing the game in the longterm requires us to be brave as a collective, to think as a team.
Like in everything you do Heather, you’ll bring inspiration and bravery.”
The University Jazz Orchestra offered a performance interlude, performing Georgia on Mind as Dr. Melville and many of the gather guests nodding along.
The Conferment of Colin Salmon’s Honorary Degree then followed, presented by Dr. Nick Jones from the School of Arts and Creative Technologies. Dr. Jones noted Salmon’s distinctive voice and instantly recognisable persona, detailing Salmon’s long and influential acting career and his array of public service efforts, working to give young people greater opportunities, supporting talented minority applicants and “[using] his distinct voice alongside boundless enthusiasm and charm to future generations.”
Salmon’s response was particularly emotional, with a pause as he took to the lecturn prompting renewed waves of cheers. “Let’s focus on the fun,” he began. First complimenting the singers and the jazz band, Salmon went on to highlight his journey with ADHD and theatre. He described inclusion as “my family”, and diversity as a cloth “It is only goes one way it’s not strong enough. We need something stronger.”
A believer in the power of education, Salmon was hugely grateful to recieve the honour, despite struggling in 6th form, claiming “It would make my dad proud,” before finishing with a powerful poem on the necessity for no child to be left behind.
Two more musical performances bookended the forthcoming Chancellor’s Inaugural Statement; with the Jazz Orchestra performing In the Mood, and The 25 singing The World is Charged.
Chancellor Melville then began her first statement, reinforcing the immense pleaure and honour the moment brought for her, before reiterrating her longheld goals of helping nurture talented women. She noted her connection to honoree Dame Alison Rose, “I happened to be one of those talented women sitting within the business of someone here today,” before noting her ambition of “driving inclusion into everything we do at York.”
She described feeling deeply humbled by the prospect of working for a group with “public good in their heart.” Eager to immerse herself into the partnerships the university builds, the Chancellor concluded by considering the graduates about to walk the stage over the coming days.
“As our graduates take their next steps I will be calling on them to remember the social purpose to their work.”
Chancellor Melville thanked those who helped her, and all the staff that have worked to welcome her to the university, concluding;
“Now more than ever the world needs the brightest minds. Expanding the frontiers of knowledge in the pursuit of truth, justice and education.”
To conlude the proceedings, Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jefferies returned to the stage, asking forgiveness for his impertinence with a laugh. “Now that you’re installed, you’re really the boss of this ceremony. But I’m going to seize control,” he claimed, before introducing the surprise element of two poems commissioned from the English Department to celebrate Dr Melville’s appointment.
Chloe Turner’s Your Odessy addressed the career Dr Melville has forged, while Emily Thorington’s For the Public considered her future at the University of York. These eloquent crowd pleasers had Dr. Melville on her feet and racing across to thank the students herself, a heartwarming and personal end to the proceedings.
As the Platform Party and staff members filed out for photographs, the audience discussed the sucessful and dignified event, noting the impressive music and delicate speeches, with one person claiming “I’m so glad I got up this morning.”
And I certainly must agree. A thoughtful inauguration honouring a highly accomplished woman, supported by a range of worthy and respected honorees; the morning consisted most prominently of watching goals come true. What a way to spend a day.
A big welcome to Dr. Heather Melville as Chancellor. We can’t wait to see what you do next.