Past events
Previous 600th anniversary events.
Launch
On Friday 25 February 2011, 600 staff and students attended the Launch of the University of St Andrews’ 600th Anniversary. The event was marked by an official visit from HRH Prince William of Wales accompanied by alumna Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge who, at a speech in St Salvator’s Quad, announced that he was delighted to be the Patron of the University’s 600th Anniversary Appeal.
The University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson used her speech to present the couple with a scholarship as a wedding gift on behalf of all students, staff and alumni.
The scholarship to be awarded in honour of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge will be open to applicants of all nationalities. It will have a value of up to £70,000 and will meet the costs of tuition, if payable, accommodation and living expenses for a four-year undergraduate degree at St Andrews in Science, Arts, Medicine or Divinity.
60 Hour Film Blitz
In March 2011 the 60 Hour Film Blitz celebrated the University of St Andrew’s 600 year milestone by engaging students, staff and town residents in an inspiring three days of film making. The challenge, to film, edit and produce a short film in just 60 Hours.
Out of 19 entries, the winning films were:
- “Comfortable Creatures in St Andrews” – Best Fresher Film
- “Bird Watching”– Best Honours Film
- “Lone Dancer” – Audience Choice Award
It is hoped that the 2011 60 Hour Film Blitz will be the first of three festivals supported by the 600th Anniversary, that will inspire the St Andrews community. For further information on a 2012 Blitz and to watch the 2011 entries please visit the website www.60hourfilmblitz.com
600th lecture series
As part of the University’s 600th Anniversary a variety of special guests will visit the University for a series of thought provoking lectures over the course of the anniversary.
Lectures have already been given by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US Ambassador to the United Kingdom Louis Susman, both of whom addressed more than 300 staff and students in the Buchanan Lecture Theatre.
Prelude to the 600th
On Thursday 21 of April the compositions of three talented composers were premiered by the University of St Andrews Symphony Orchestra at the grand finale of the University’s Composition Competition titled ‘Prelude to the 600th’. The three shortlisted pieces were selected from 36 diverse, high quality competition submissions, all of which hoped to provide a unique piece of music to mark the 600th Anniversary. At the event the winner was announced asMark David Boden with his piece, ‘Six Degrees’.
Founders and benefactors service
On Sunday 26 February 2012 more than 320 people gathered in St Salvator’s Chapel for a special commemorative service. Led by the University Chaplain, Rev Dr Donald MacEwan , the service paid tribute to the long line of founders and benefactors who have helped us arrive at our 600th Anniversary.
The preacher was the Right Reverend David Arnott, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, who said:
“It is important that we do take the time to remember that so many of us reap where we have not sown and if a future generation is going to reap as well then it is up to this generation to do a bit of sowing.”
Lessons were read by Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson and by Simon Lamb, Honours Mathematics. The Prayers of Commemoration were led by Vice Principal of Governance and Planning Professor Ron Piper.
After the service the congregation gathered outside the Chapel for the traditional wreath-laying, in memory of Patrick Hamilton, who met his martyrdom by fire on the very spot, and the martyrs.
There followed a reception hosted by the Principal who expressed her thanks to the many donors and benefactors who have supported the University. Many donors and family of benefactors were present at the service and reception.