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Director of Education, Julie Oldroyd, was delighted to attend the Formal Installation of The Most Rev. Richard Moth as Chancellor and The Rev. Dr Øystein Lund as Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, during Vespers presided over by Bishop Jim Curry.

Archbishop Richard succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols as Chancellor of the University; Cardinal Vincent served as the university's inaugural Chancellor from 2015 to 2026. Dr Lund succeeds Professor Anthony McClaran as Vice-Chancellor.

On the nature and purpose of the University, Archbishop Richard writes:

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“As a Catholic University, St Mary’s offers to our wider society a place of learning that goes beyond the merely utilitarian, by proclaiming the value of every person and enabling every students to engage in a journey which, in the words of St John Henry Newman, 'frees the mind from narrowness and encourages intellectual, balance, fairness and humility.'”

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Outside of his academic and diplomatic work, Dr Lund is a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Oslo. He was first ordained in the Church of Norway in 1994, before being received into full communion with the Catholic Church in 2009. He was ordained deacon in 2013 and priest in 2014.

Writing at the time of Dr Lund's appointment, in June, Archbishop Richard Moth, at the time Chair of Governors of the University, said,

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“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am delighted to welcome Rev Fr Dr Øystein Lund as our new Vice-Chancellor. His experience in academia, diplomacy, and leadership will be of enormous benefit to the university community. St Mary’s University is at an exciting time in its development following many significant achievements under our outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony McClaran, whom we wish well for all his future endeavours.

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Speaking of the Installation, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Rev Dr Øystein Lund said,

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“Today has been a joyous day of celebration for the St Mary’s University Community. I am honoured to be installed as St Mary’s new Vice-Chancellor, and it is a great privilege to see Archbishop Richard become our new Chancellor, following 15 years of outstanding service to our University.

“St Mary’s is a special university, where academic ambition and the development of the whole person go hand in hand. I look forward to driving forward our future growth to enhance our impact on the communities we serve, including the development of the School of Medicine and the opportunities we have to collaborate with partners around the world.”

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The Education Service in Arundel and Brighton are pleased to collaborate with St Mary’s on a number of key initiatives, supporting the teaching of RE and Catholic leadership formation. We send our best wishes to Dr Øystein Lund on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor.

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Source: St Mary's University

Photo source: Diocese of Westminster