Jenkins
AN array of prestigious visitors gathered at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin last Saturday to commemorate the life of the late Lord Jenkins.
Senior politicians from across the political spectrum, including Michael Heseltine and Douglas Hurd, joined with over 50 senior academics in a memorial service to the former University Chancellor who died in January.
The service was to honour Jenkins' for this academic role, rather than his vast political achievements, which will be remembered in a larger memorial to be held in London next month. Nevertheless, many politicians took the opportunity to speak of the remarkable political career of Jenkins, which included holding the offices of both Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
In an address to the congregation, Vice-Chancellor Sir Colin Lucas spoke positively of Lord Jenkins' career and his contribution to the University, as well as his own personal loss at the death.
Will Straw, President of OUSU, was also present at the service to represent the student body. Despite concerns over Jenkins' apparent support for top-up fees, Straw views this stance on government reforms as 'one small blemish' on an otherwise successful 15-year period, in which Jenkins did a great deal for the university.
As the election day for appointing a new chancellor draws closer, Straw is to propose a motion to OUSU council on Friday to endorse Sandra Toksvig and campaign on her behalf. Ms Toksvig is the only candidate to have signed the statement produced by OUSU indicating her rejection of the proposed top-up fees, with all three of the other candidates refusing to do so.
27th Feb 2003