AUTHOR, poet and broadcaster, Lemn Sissay MBE, has beaten former cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson (interviewed here) and Hallé Music Director, Sir Mark Elder, to become the next Chancellor of the University of Manchester from 1 August.
My primary aim is to inspire and be inspired
Sissay will replace Tom Bloxham MBE, founder of Manchester-based property firm Urban Splash, after a seven year tenure as the ceremonial head of the University.
Of the 143,915 electorate - comprising University staff, registered alumni and members of the General Assembly - Sissay received 7,131 votes, Sir Elder 5,483 and Lord Mandelson 5,269 (turnout was 12.4%).
Sissay, an associate artist at the Southbank Centre, patron of the Letterbox Club and fellow of the Foundling Museum, said:
“Reach for the top of the tree and you may get to the first branch but reach for the stars and you'll get to the top of the tree. My primary aim is to inspire and be inspired.
“I am proud to be Chancellor of this fantastic University and extremely grateful to everyone who voted for me.”
Sissay beat Lord Mandelson by nearly 2000 votesIn 2010, Sissay received an MBE from the Queen for services to literature, having produced a wealth of poetry, including 'Rebel Without Applause' (1992) and 'Listener' (2008), alongside articles, essays, records, radio documentaries, public art and plays.
Born to an Ethiopian mother in Billinge, St Helens, Sissay was passed to social services to be brought up in foster homes and child institutions, the memory of which, including abuse at a former children's home in Wigan, impacted heavily upon his work.
You can see some prime Sissay on the exterior wall of the Hardy's Well pub on Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, which has caused so many fender benders since the late-90s the council had to change the junction's traffic system. Try repeat this one after a few shandies:
"Worry will wait while wells wand whirls a warm-hearted wackiness into a weary week."
University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “The Chancellor of the University, while a ceremonial office, brings with it significant ambassadorial responsibilities in helping to promote the University’s achievements worldwide, which Tom Bloxham has done with enthusiasm and dedication throughout his time in office.
“My warm and sincere congratulations go to Lemn on his election to be our next Chancellor. I look forward to welcoming him to the University community and working with him to promote our ambitious plans over the coming years.”
An installation ceremony will take place at the university this October.
