Chancellor sings University's praises at SEC Armadillo special event

Chancellor Dr Annie Lennox OBE has spoken of her pride in her role at Glasgow Caledonian University during an evening of conversation, musical performance and visual imagery at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow. 

The sell-out event was the first time Chancellor Lennox has performed in public in Scotland in more than a decade and offered a rare opportunity to see her perform a host of classics from her musical career and to hear fascinating stories from her personal and professional life.

The audience included First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, journalist and broadcaster Dr Sally Magnusson, who is Honorary President of the Magnusson Fellowship and an Honorary Graduate of GCU, GCU Student President Eilidh Fulton and staff and students representing the University.

Christine Clark, from the School of Health and Life Sciences, was lucky enough to win a ticket to the event in the staff and student ballot. She said: "Wow! What a fabulous surprise to be a ballot winner for the fantastic 'Evening of Music and Conversation with Annie Lennox'. Our Chancellor was truly amazing in every way and had me on my feet, singing my heart out. Thank you!"

In an on-stage interview with broadcaster Janice Forsyth, Chancellor Lennox recalled becoming involved in political activism after being asked to perform at a concert to celebrate the 70th birthday of Nelson Mandela in London in 1988. She also spoke about her pride in being installed as Chancellor of an institution known as the University for the Common Good.

The event was held to raise funds for The Circle, the NGO founded by the Chancellor in 2008, which works to benefit women and girls across the globe. 

The University's Student Association President, Eilidh Fulton, who has recently established The Student Circle Society - GCU, said: "Being invited to attend our Chancellor's event was an incredible privilege. I am grateful to have shared a lovely evening with our Principal and distinguished guests including the First Minister. 

"I was once again reminded how truly phenomenal our Chancellor is, not only for her musical career but also for her ongoing work with her organisation, The Circle. 

"The Student Circle Society- GCU is a collective within The Circle - an inspirational hub where students from all walks of life across GCU can come together to engage with projects aimed to support and empower disadvantaged women and girls across the globe.

"We look forward to continuing the strong relationship between our Chancellor, our University, our students and The Circle."

 - Chancellor Lennox discusses her global activism in the first episode of a new podcast entitled Cry Power hosted by singer-songwriter Hozier. You can listen to the interview by visiting https://bit.ly/2nn4Ahy