The Right Honourable Lord Paul of Marylebone, PC, is celebrating 25 years as Chancellor of the university.
The Chancellor is the figurehead of the university, carrying out ceremonial duties as well as acting as an ambassador for the institution all over the world.
Lord Paul said: “After 25 years, I am the longest serving Chancellor of a UK university, and I am still going. I cannot begin to describe the feeling of being involved with this exceptional university for so long. They provide opportunities for those who seek learning and skills, no matter their background or family history. They nurture talent and cherish it as much as I do.”
Through the Aruna and Ambika Paul Foundation, a charitable trust set up by Lord Paul and his family in memory of his late wife Lady Aruna and daughter Ambika, Lord Paul has donated more than £2.5 million to support a variety of projects. These include the capital costs of the Lord Swraj Paul building, supporting the university’s research projects, and promoting academic and teaching excellence.
In July 2023, the Aruna and Ambika Paul Foundation gifted £1 million that enabled students to participate in employability and entrepreneurial activities over the next decade.
In appreciation of this donation, the School of Architecture and Built Environment building, located at the university’s Springfield Campus, will be named The Lady Aruna Swraj Paul building.
Lady Aruna Paul passed away in May 2022, and Lord Paul and his family name the building in memory of her warmth, strength and generosity of spirit. Lady Aruna was particularly pleased to visit the university for the opening of the Ambika Paul and Angad Paul buildings, named for their late children.
Prof. Ebrahim Adia, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “In the short time I have known Lord Paul as our chancellor, I have been amazed by his enthusiasm and energy for our students and staff. He continues to think of ways to help our institution every day, and we are privileged to have had his support for so long. I look forward to working with him on many exciting new projects in the coming years.”
