Such
a national position gives the University a responsibility not only
for academic but also for social and cultural leadership. I am,
therefore, particularly grateful to Sir John for handing Celebration
2001 on to me. Equal opportunity for all and diversity in the
workplace and society are values that I hold dear. Celebration
2001 confirms to me that I have joined an institution in which
those important values are embedded, and it gives me an early chance
to reinforce them.
The
University is about excellence - in teaching, in research, in the
quality of the experience it offers and in the contribution it makes
to the wider world. The pursuit of excellence requires an openness
of mind that recognises talent wherever it exists, that is receptive
to new ways of thinking and that values the diversity of people.
It
is clear to me that Celebration 2001 is a marvellous opportunity
for the University to explore such themes, both locally and globally,
and by reference to others' experience and aspirations as well as
its own. It is also a chance for the University to play host to
a wide variety of people.
All
those who join us at these events are most welcome. I hope that
in helping us to celebrate the University's achievements and to
consider the challenges ahead, they get plenty of intellectual stimulation
- as well as some fun!
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