Fresher’s Week saw the culmination of the University’s multi-year celebration of the 600th anniversary. I, for one, loved it! While I was a bit late on the uptake, and didn’t apply for tickets until they reopened the ballot, I was pleasantly surprised with a ticket to the Service of Thanksgiving.
Held in Holy Trinity Church, which at any time is a lovely setting, but with everyone in academic dress and a sea of red gowns it was truly amazing. The service was short but full of impact. The former Archbishop of Cantebury, Rowan Williams, gave the anniversary address. The Sallies Chapel Choir led the congregation in song, and at the end we all processed to the Quad before most of the attendees went in to lunch.
Second year, Amelia Summers attended more events than I did, here’s what she had to say.
“I definitely enjoyed the diversity if the academic panel that was presented last Saturday; from the previous Harvard President to a board member of the largest university campus in the world in Barbados, viewpoints were contrasting and reflective of each panelist’s distinct background in academia, such that opinions towards one or more of the three structures of proposed university for the future were enlightening and evolving during the discussion.”
“I was especially taken by our Principal here at St Andrews, Professor Louis Richardson’s, perspective in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of different structures of university, their prospective freedom concerning research when linked to a government that funds the university, and the overall quality of the educated graduates based on the structure of their university.”
“Although Professor Louis Richardson’s view is similar to my own when concerning what a quality education entails, it was a broadening experience to hear from esteemed scholars and educators on such a heated and relevant issue as the future of our universities.”
The festivities were capped off on Sunday night with a fireworks display to rival my town’s showing on the 4th of July. It was a great weekend and reminded me how lucky I am to go to a university with such a long and varied history.