1967-2007: Celebrating 40 years of Dundee

Background
In 2007 the University of Dundee celebrates forty years as an independent institution of higher education. Prior to 1967 the local population campaigned strongly for a University to bear the name of their city, serve their aspirations and carry forth Dundee’s achievements and reputation to the world.

Celebrating support from the City
From the very beginning the University has benefited hugely from this local support. We believe that the warm relationship between ‘town and gown’ in Dundee is unique in Britain today. We continue to receive huge support for a wide range of activities from local students past and present, from partners in local government and government agencies and the broad Dundee population. The University repays that faith and support by continuing to drive the economic and cultural renaissance of the city. Our renowned expertise in life sciences carries the name of Dundee across the world while our historians chart the path that has brought this fine city to its current standing. The University graduates more people into the professions than any other university in Scotland and as such Dundee graduates are influential in almost every walk of life in Scotland and beyond.

A Dundee Celebration
We can think of no more appropriate manner to begin our 40th anniversary celebrations than with ‘A Dundee Celebration’; a special event incorporating music, film and speech to thank the people of Dundee for their continuing support of their University.

A Dundee Celebration (the ceremony) will take place on Friday 9th February 2007 from 4pm in Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee.

Honouring outstanding local achievement
The University will bestow Honorary Degrees on local individuals who have furthered the reputation of the city in educational excellence, national culture and community service. These will include former world champion runner Liz McColgan, singer-songwriter, Michael Marra, first Advocate General of Scotland and former Dundee lecturer, Baroness Clark of Calton, renowned life scientist, Professor Sir Philip Cohen, retired journalist, Russell Reid, Lord Provost John Letford, retired solicitor, Norman Robertson and The Rt. Rev. Vincent Logan, Bishop of Dunkeld who recently celebrated his silver jubilee. We hope that these awards will show our appreciation of the rich seam of local talent that supports the work of the University of Dundee.

The event has been timed to encourage as many local people to attend as possible. The ceremony will include participation by the Dundee Repertory Women’s Choir (loadsawomensingin) and will incorporate filmed footage of the University’s early years and highlights of its achievements over the past 40 years. A celebration of the University’s achievements over the past 40 years will be published to coincide with the event and will be available on the day.

Invitation to the City
A Dundee Celebration is a community event and is open to all local people to attend. The University has received enormous support from its local community and we want to share this important anniversary with our key supporters and friends.

The University hopes that members of local community groups, churches, schools and the general public will be in attendance to join in the celebrations. The ceremony will be followed by a drinks reception.

Tickets are free of charge and are available from the Box Office in City Square or from the Tower Building Reception at the University of Dundee.

Free entry and everyone welcome.

Request tickets by post from events@dundee.ac.uk or on 01382 384660. Collect in person from Dundee City Box Office, 6 City Square and University Tower Reception.