Archbishop of York confers his first academic awards as new university Chancellor

To mark Reverend & Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell's tenure, a special inauguration ceremony took place at Carlisle Cathedral yesterday (April, 27) in amongst a busy five days of ceremonies. 

Similarly, like many of the 2,700 graduands, the Archbishop's inauguration was delayed as a result of the pandemic as he took over the role in 2020. 

Before the ceremony, he told the News and Star it was 'huge honour' to selected as the new Chancellor following after his predecessor Archbishop Dr John Sentamu. 

"Covid has affected us all in different ways but it's a great joy to be doing things again, it's been incredibly moving, more moving than I was expecting, especially to see all the graduands success pay off.

"Whenever you come to these things you remember your own past and also the past of attending graduations as a father,  but this is my first time as a Chancellor, so it's a completely new experience. 

CHANCELLOR: At the inauguration ceremony (April, 27).

At the time of the interview, the University of Cumbria were celebrating their Institute of Health graduates. 

"Today the people graduating are those working in the health services, for those students whom many should have graduated two years ago, a lot of them will have experienced a situation in their field that even the teachers haven't - it's unimaginable. 

"It was so powerful to see and hear stories of these young women and men having to go straight into the frontline of the biggest health crisis we've ever faced in our lifetimes," he said. 

The Most Rev Stephen Cottrel said whilst being the 'new-boy' to the role, the more he finds out about it, the more excited he is. 

READ MORE: Major step forward for new University of Cumbria campus in Carlisle's Citadel buildings

"It's very exciting to see the new Citidel Campus being developed across from Carlisle station but also with the announcement of a partnership between the university and the Imperial College London to launch a new graduate entry medical school in Carlisle.

"It will provide the opportunity for people to train as doctors but also to serve this part of the world, particularly in rural areas and communities in which there is need.  

"Having been someone who struggled a bit in education, and got educated the long and the hard way, it has made me believe in it more than ever and how important it is to unlock potential to create wellbeing, to change lives and change the world. 

"I’m excited by the ethos of this university and its particular desire to open up access to education and opportunity for all people," he said. 

University Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: "This is a very significant occasion for our university.

"With new campus developments and a joint medical school among our plans for growth, we look forward to Archbishop Stephen sharing in our journey, inspiring and equipping our graduates, communities, economy and environments to thrive now and in the future." 

READ MORE: Five days of ceremonies for University of Cumbria's graduation week