Future is in our collective hands, Chancellor tells graduands

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE gave an inspirational speech when she was today officially installed as Chancellor of the University − getting our summer graduation programme under way.

In her role as Chancellor, Dr Imafidon, a trailblazer in business, mathematics and technology, will carry out formal duties, confer degrees on students, and promote the University's ambitions and vision.

By 10 years old Dr Imafidon had already passed two GCSES − Maths and Computing, became the youngest girl to pass A-level computing at 11, and earned a Master's from Oxford at 20. She received an MBE in 2017 for services to women in STEM. As Stemettes co-founder, she has inspired more than 65,000 young people across the UK and Europe into STEM roles.

Dr Imafidon was installed as Chancellor as part of the first of this summer’s graduation ceremonies, taking place in the Royal Concert Hall with 500 graduands.

During the ceremony, the Chancellor reflected on Glasgow Caledonian’s history, emphasising its long-standing commitment to equality, equity, and the common good. She expressed her own connection to the University’s ethos as an East Londoner with a passion for maths, technology, and helping others.

She said: “Today we follow in the footsteps of many alumni, chancellors and staff. What is now Scotland’s largest and leading modern university, actually dates back 149 years to 1875, when the founding institution provided a formal home for economics, textile and finance education to the women of Glasgow and beyond.

“In this Concert Hall, we’ve all genders across the student body, and the roster of subjects represented today deviates from home economics, but so much of that ethos of equality, equity and common good for Glasgow, and beyond, lives on.

“This is why, as an East Londoner who loves maths, tech and helping people, I feel at home here. It’s incredible to see what happens when people come together to learn, research and solve problems as you have done in the past few years. It’s exciting to think about how the knowledge and experiences you’ve gained here will be applied beyond these walls in the decades to come.”

Key advice given to graduands by the Chancellor included the importance of continuous learning, as exemplified by Dr Gladys West and Mary Somerville, and the value of using their knowledge for the common good.

Dr Imafidon said: “Yes, you have a new certificate, but no, you shouldn’t stop learning. The great mathematician, Dr Glady West, once said, ‘Keep learning, never stop learning’. Today signifies a milestone, not an end to new knowledge, research or problems to solve. Make a conscious effort to continue hearing and seeking new perspectives, as well as connecting the dots across disciplines. It’s not said often enough that the best innovation comes from cross-disciplinary approaches and diverse inputs.

“We wouldn’t have the word scientist if Scottish writer, mathematician and polymath Mary Somerville hadn’t turned up among her ‘men of science’ peers to contribute new ideas. She went on to tutor Ada Lovelace − the original computer programmer.

“Secondly, the knowledge you now have isn’t just for you. It’s for the common weal, known also as the common good.  You have a legacy that is built each day in your decisions, priorities and efforts across your growing sphere of influence. Be mindful of the voice and opportunity you have to change things for the better when you think of others as well as yourself. Whether they admit it or not, there are people who listen to you and look up to you − how are your actions ensuring they have something good to take away? Walk the walk more than you talk the talk. So many of the weird and wonderful things I’ve encountered in my career thus far have come from giving and creating for others, not myself.

“From hosting on national television, to travelling to far-off destinations, to being stood here as your Chancellor − all of it has come from wanting to help others. Recognising, celebrating and enabling a diversity of success in all its forms − no matter the gender, upbringing or physical ability − will take intentional actions from all of us. We’ll all benefit from progress in the long run.

“The future is in our collective hands. Welcome to the GCU Alumni family − I promise to serve you all well as your Chancellor.”