University marks 50 years of duke being chancellor
ReutersThe University of Surrey is celebrating 50 years of the Duke of Kent being its chancellor, which it says is one of the longest reigns in the history of British higher education.
The duke succeeded Lord Robens, the university's inaugural chancellor, and was officially appointed on 17 July 1976.
Since then, he has attended graduations, opened buildings and visited with Elizabeth II on three occasions.
Prof Stephen Jarvis, president and vice-chancellor of the university, said: "Fifty years is a remarkable span of service, and our university could not ask for a more steadfast champion."
The duke first visited with the late queen in 1992 for a service of thanksgiving at Guildford Cathedral, marking the university's silver jubilee and 100 years since the original Battersea Polytechnic Institute was founded.
Most recently, she visited in 2015 with Prince Philip and the duke to open the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Jarvis said: "His commitment has shaped our university for the better – from opening our research facilities to presiding over graduation ceremonies for tens of thousands of our students.
"His contribution has been constant and deeply valued."
