On Friday, 05 August a reception was held at Pentre’ Ceredigion at the National Eisteddfod at Tregaron to celebrate two prominent anniversaries for Aberystwyth University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). This year, Aberystwyth University marks its 150th anniversary and the UWTSD marks its bicentenary of providing higher education.
Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said: “It is a privilege to be able to celebrate both Aberystwyth University’s and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s anniversaries and recognise the valuable contribution of both Universities to Ceredigion's economy, heritage and culture. It is undeniable that there is a strong culture of higher education provision in Ceredigion and this is reflected in the importance we as a County Council place on education – and giving our children and young people the best possible opportunities.
“Having two strong organisations like this, which attract international students, lecturers and researchers puts Ceredigion on the map. It is also positive to see innovative work being developed in Ceredigion. Many of the students who come to study in the County stay and have a career of their own and now go on raising families themselves here.
“We, as Ceredigion County Council are very proud of the collaboration that is taking place with both Universities, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside both for many more years to come.”
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD said: “The University celebrates the bicentenary of higher education in Wales this year and the role of its Lampeter campus in that proud story. The impact that two hundred years of higher education has had on the citizens of Wales cannot be overstated. I’m delighted that we are here at the Eisteddfod to celebrate the birthplace of higher education in Wales and that the County Council is acknowledging the contribution that the University’s campus in Lampeter and Aberystwyth University have made to the economic, social and cultural prosperity of Ceredigion. My warmest congratulations also to Aberystwyth University on reaching such a milestone in its illustrious history”.
Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, Professor Elizabeth Treasure said:“As we mark a hundred and fifty years since Wales’ first University was established in Aberystwyth, it is a real privilege to celebrate our contribution to our community here in Ceredigion, as well as to the wider world. This event is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to those visionaries who, broke new ground by establishing a University here.
“In celebrating the past, we also recognise the huge role Aberystwyth University plays in our community today, and the ambition we have for the future. I’m very grateful of our staff who ensure that we are widely recognised as an institution that offers excellence for those who come here to learn, and where research of global importance is carried out.
“My gratitude goes to Ceredigion County Council for holding this event, and many congratulations to University of Wales Trinity Saint David on their significant milestone as we jointly celebrate one of Ceredigion’s key contributions to the wider world.”
05/08/2022