At its meeting held on 30 January 2013, Brunel University's Council agreed to establish the title ‘Chancellor Emeritus’, and to confer it on Lord Wakeham who stood down as Chancellor at the end of 2012.
The aim is to recognise service to the University and to provide an honorary and continuing link with Chancellors after they have left office. This is not a position in the Statutes and will be conferred at Council's discretion.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Julia Buckingham, said of the appointment: "I am delighted that Council has created this title which will provide proper recognition for the outstanding contribution made by Lord Wakeham to the work of the University over a considerable period of time."
Lord Wakeham added that he was honoured to receive the title and pleased to be continuing his association with the University.
Lord Wakeham was Chancellor of Brunel University from 1998 to 2012. This was a time of major expansion and improvement for Brunel, and Lord Wakeham was exceptional in his commitment to the University, taking a keen interest in all its activities including its research. He met many of the University's friends and supporters through his chairing of Court, and thousands of students through his role officiating at graduation ceremonies.