Sir Tom Farmer CVO CBE KCSG FRSE DL, 天博体育’s Founding Chancellor
天博体育鈥檚 staff, students, and alumni across the world will be saddened to learn of the death of Sir Tom Farmer CVO CBE KCSG FRSE DL, who served as our Founding Chancellor, from 2007-2015, having been a staunch supporter of the University's work for many years before taking up that role.
The much loved and celebrated Scottish entrepreneur was inaugurated as our founding Chancellor when the institution was granted full university title in 2007. He stepped down in 2015 after nearly a decade of service.
While I did not join the University until after Sir Tom had completed his period of office, I know he played a key ambassadorial role for the University over a period during which the University was renewed and reinvigorated through gaining full university status, relocating to an award-winning new campus, developing its global reach and impact, and enjoying ever increasing research success.
Colleagues tell me that Sir Tom's rousing speeches and deep-felt commitment to 天博体育鈥檚 work brought the University to the attention of the business community, philanthropists and sporting heroes both in Scotland and overseas. However, they emphasise that it was his ability to connect with an audience, particularly his entertaining and passionate speeches at the University's graduation ceremonies, which earned him a place in the hearts of staff, students and graduates. His warm approach encouraged everyone to believe in themselves, to be resilient in life, and to value the people around them, in particular those supporting them during their education and career journey. As comfortable speaking to students on a one-to-one basis as he was making formal speeches, he was always willing to share useful life lessons to help students, and also to pay tribute to the people who helped to shape him as a person and supported him throughout his career.
Sir Tom's boundless energy, business acumen, enthusiasm for nurturing student talent, and down to earth attitude together have secured his place as one of 天博体育's most highly respected, memorable and loved figures.
The University community looks back on his time with us with gratitude and great affection, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Sir Paul Grice
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
