Speech at the Handing over Ceremony and Installation of the New Rector on 30 June 2016
by Andrew Borg Wirth, former Vice-President, KSU
by Andrew Borg Wirth, former Vice-President, KSU
Your Excellency, Honourable Prime Minister, Ministers, Dear Chancellor, Rector, Rector-elect, Pro-Rectors, Academics, Students, distinguished guests.
These few words I have prepared today, are tokens of what this illustrious University has taught me, and they express the ideas I wish to see fuel growth in this, my University. I call it 'my University' because this campus, my second home, is today where I feel most comfortable, where I challenged all that I was used to, and where my mind was constantly at play.
Today, as a new chapter begins, at this, the highest educational institution of our islands, I would like to reinforce the aim of an institution as prestigious as this. The University is not a school. This is an idea I have constantly had to challenge. Many students mention 'the scholastic year' or how, forgive me for this, a 'sir' or a 'miss', requested some thing or other from them. This is a University, where society's ideas originate, and where it is not what you learnt that counts, but the fact that you learnt, how you learnt, and that you were humble and ready to learn, both from the academic body, as well as your student peers, that makes you a worthy alumnus.
Combatting dated ideas in society, and challenging the status quo, are essential processes and intrinsic elements of the role a University should play in society. For this reason, I truly believe we need to motivate more educated dialogue and seasoned argument, away from the sensationalism that dominates our media, but rather dependent on facts and experiences. Debate is an essential platform for our country to move forward, and the University should be there to generate the discussion.
Today’s celebration is one of hope. Hope that all that has happened ahead of our time is only the beginning of far more for this University. As Professor Vella’s term as Rector starts, a new chapter begins for this alma mater. A chapter which I have no doubt will supersede that which came before it – because it is precisely this spirit of advancement that always moved the University forward.
Let us not allow our size to hold us back - I would like to remind you that the student representative council at the University is amongst the oldest in Europe, as it has been in office since 1901. KSU is a relevant and important part of this institution, representing almost 12,000 students. In its structure, KSU elevates the students’ voice, an integral part of the consultation process that leads to the release of the opinion of the student body. My time in KSU has also come to an end this year, however together with a team of 12 other students a clear vision for the exploitation of potential of all students who call this campus home, and for the absolute abolition of the perception there is of apathy on campus, was what took us forward in this representative journey. This was done with the support of a number of this country's leaders, who supported us and were part of the work we did. I cannot but mention our greatest collaborator these past two years, her Excellency the President of the country. This collaboration helped offer visibility to students and the contribution they sought to make to society. I challenge unequivocally the criticism we have received a number of times, by individuals who find that we are irrelevant, or that the contribution students have to make in society, is limited, at best. I do, understand that it is difficult to win over everyone's support, however I definitely believe this criticism is an essential part of what we do. Students and academics should not allow such criticism to dishearten the work that we do, but rather acknowledge the importance this has in the development of the University's community.
The past years as a member of KSU's executive and student at this University, have been undoubtedly aided by the Rector, Professor Camilleri, whose vision was well-invested in a future that is bright, for this University. The masterplan he has explained to us on numerous occasions exposes his desire to leave a University stronger than that at the start of his term, a quality I have learnt to admire in these recent years. The rector was never a distant or unapproachable figure, but rather his office was always a place we were welcome at, to discuss new plans or propose opportunities to collaborate. We must have been a headache at times - but Professor Camilleri always found time to lend us an ear. Other essential collaborators were Pro-Rector for Student Affairs Professor Lauri, all other Pro-Rectors, as well as the Registrar and all in their respective offices. It was a pleasure to be a student of a University led by such a team, as they understood how students are the fulcrum of a University and it is their relevance that moves it forward. I would like to praise the way they always heard us out and understood our desire to be an integral part of the development of ideas at this University.
I hope the future will see more students of quality at this University, who will use all that this University offers them to develop this country's intellectual movement, rather than to set their eyes only on the way they can develop their own eventual career. I for one, admit that I have not yet settled on a final destination which this long journey will lead me to - instead, I steady on, with the sole intention of moving forward, for moving forward's sake. This is the inspiring spirit that this pro-active University has ingrained within me.
I conclude, by wishing the new rectorate five busy and constructive years. This is a heavy responsibility, but more so a great opportunity, to continue being a part of the story of our country's development. This will be a period where I trust the University will grow in the world of research, where the result achieved will be greater and where the University will continue to develop the minds that eventually will be leaders of every sector on the island.
So today a ten-year chapter closes, and another five year one starts. I wish well to all who will continue to author this beautiful tale.
Thank you Professor Camilleri - and best wishes Professor Vella!
Written by: KSU ex-Vice President Andrew Borg Wirth