Installation of new Chancellor.
28 Nov 2008
Watch the ceremony live on 3 December.
Property developer Tom Bloxham MBE will be installed as the Chancellor of the University at a ceremony on Wednesday 3 December.
Tom, was elected to the position following a ballot of the University’s alumni, staff and the members of the General Assembly.
He takes over the role from broadcaster and journalist Anna Ford, the first woman Chancellor in the Victoria University of Manchester’s history, and Sir Terry Leahy, the chief executive of Tesco and former Chancellor of UMIST. He will hold the position for seven years.
Tom, who is co-founder of the property company Urban Splash, graduated from the University in 1986, with a degree in politics and modern history. And in 2007 he returned to receive an Honorary Doctorate.
Following his installation as Chancellor, on Wednesday 3 December 2008, the University will honour some of the leading minds from the world of science, business and music.
Computer scientist Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who is credited with inventing the world wide web, will receive one of four honorary degrees. The others will be made to Sir Bernard Lovell, Eddie Davies and Edward Gregson.
Sir Bernard Lovell, founder of Jodrell Bank Observatory, led the team that developed H2S radar during WWII and was knighted in 1961 for his pioneering work in radio astronomy at the University.
Philanthropist Eddie Davies OBE is involved in a number of businesses throughout the world. He is owner of Bolton Wanderers Football Club and has strong links with the University.
Edward Gregson, who is a former principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, is a composer of international standing.
Staff will be able to watch the installation ceremony live on the University website at: