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Outgoing Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella’s legacy marked with portrait unveiling
The legacy of outgoing Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella will be permanently recognised through a portrait commissioned by the University of Malta and added to its collection of rectors’ portraits.
The portrait was unveiled on Thursday 18 June 2026 at the University’s Council Room in the presence of several members of top management, including UM's Pro-Chancellor, Perit Karmenu Vella, as well as Prof. Vella's wife.
The painting was created by Gozitan artist, Manuel Farrugia, and curated by Prof. Keith Sciberras, Rector’s Delegate for the Curation of Art Works of the University.
As per the social media post shared by the artist himself, the portrait “is composed on a traditional sitter’s pose and highly focused on detail, having a background with heavy brush work giving the painting a contemporary element.”
Prof. Frank Bezzina, the 82nd Rector, will officially start his term as of 1 July 2026.
Prof. Alfred J. Vella served as the 81st Rector of the University of Malta, having been elected in July 2016 and serving in the role for the past decade. An accomplished academic, he has been actively engaged in teaching and research since 1987, with a particular focus on environmental chemistry. Throughout his distinguished career, he served for many years as Head of the Department of Chemistry and was Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1997 to 2007. Between July 2006 and June 2016, he held the position of Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs, during which he chaired several Senate sub-committees and played a key role in shaping the University's academic policies and strategic direction.
Visibly moved during the unveiling ceremony, Prof. Vella said it had been a privilege and an honour to lead the University over the past decade. He expressed his gratitude to the many colleagues, staff, students, and stakeholders whose dedication and support helped shape the institution’s continued success.
