Archbishop installed as chancellor of York St John University

The ceremony on March 7, saw a procession up Stonegate to the Minster by staff, students and alumni of the University, several imaginative performances by the Faculty of Arts during the event to an audience of partners and friends from across the UK and beyond and culminated in the installation of the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu as the first Chancellor of York's new University.

As Chancellor, Dr John Sentamu will be the ceremonial head of the University and will serve as a source of inspiration and wise counsel to the institution. At the installation he was given gifts by representatives of key groups from the University past and present, and the wider community, and gowned in new robes specially designed and created for the occasion by gown makers Ede & Ravenscroft.

Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, graciously accepted the invitation to play this crucial role for the University last year when the announcement of York St John's university status was approved by the Privy Council of the UK. Of his installation, Dr Sentamu says:

"This is an exciting time for York St John and I am delighted to be asked to be Chancellor.

"The University has been offering excellence in education for over 150 years and will continue to be an important contributor to a society of all faiths and none. It will be a pleasure to participate in this momentous occasion in the University's history and I am thrilled to be asked to play a part in York St John's future as a Church University."

Professor Dianne Willcocks, Vice Chancellor of York St John is looking forward to the role the Archbishop will play as part of the University. She says:

"The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu has been a pillar of support to York St John since his appointment as Archbishop in 2005, and was to us an obvious choice for the position of Chancellor, as someone who is warmly respected nationally and internationally for the great work that he does within the Church of England; as a compassionate commentator on public life; and for the charitable projects in which he participates.

"His forward-thinking outlook is recognised and acclaimed by the Board of Governors of York St John and me; he will be a source of wisdom and encouragement. We believe the Archbishop will be an excellent Chancellor for York St John."

The installation ceremony was followed by celebrations on York St John University's campus for guests of the ceremony, staff and students and was the final event in a series of celebratory occasions to commemorate York St John gaining University status in October 2006.