Ruby Wax thanked our University for 鈥榯he great honour鈥� of becoming our 8th Chancellor during her formal installation ceremony last Tuesday 10 December.
The American actor, author and leading mental health campaigner was formally presented during winter graduation ceremonies involving degree recipients of the Winchester School of Art (WSA).
As Chancellor, Ruby will play a leading ambassadorial role for our University through activities linked to our corporate strategy. She will also preside over graduation ceremonies and play an active role in other aspects of our University鈥檚 development.
During a poignant and candid address, Ruby said that becoming Chancellor was something of a surprise, especially as she hadn鈥檛 taken full advantage of her early school years.
She also announced that we will be the first ever university to host the successful Frazzled Cafe which she founded and created. Frazzled Cafe provides facilitated peer support meetings in relaxed environments, such as cafes, where people can share their personal stories in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment 鈥� a space where, in Ruby鈥檚 words, 鈥渋t鈥檚 ok, to not be ok.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 so honoured and dare I say it, surprised to become the Chancellor of the University of Southampton. If you had asked me as a child if this was even possible, I鈥檇 laugh in your face, as would my parents,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s a young student, academic intelligence wasn鈥檛 my forte.聽Canoeing yes, academia no. I wouldn鈥檛 have even gotten into Southampton when I was young鈥�. so miracles really do happen.鈥�
Read our full news story here which includes a YouTube link to Ruby鈥檚 full installation address.
