Tributes have been paid to former Durham University Vice-Chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman, who has died.
Sir Kenneth, who was the UK Government’s Chief Medical Officer before taking up his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and Warden, held office at the University for nearly 10 years from 1998 to 2007.
His retirement coincided with celebrations for the University’s 175th anniversary, in which he played a key part.
He was responsible for a significant number of important developments including leading the development of a long-term strategy for the University; helping Durham to become firmly established as a top ten British university and playing a key role in the establishment of the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing in 2001.
Two new colleges were established under his leadership: Ustinov (formerly the Graduate Society, which achieved full college status in 2003) and Josephine Butler (opened in 2006) as well as other new buildings.
He oversaw the installation of the acclaimed author, Bill Bryson, as University Chancellor in 2005. He later gave his name to the University’s Calman Learning Centre.
Sir Kenneth’s motto was “Through learning I help others”. This, he said, summed up the important things he did in his life.
Thanks to a scholarship, he entered the University of Glasgow to study medicine, where he held the roles of student, lecturer, professor, Dean and Chancellor over more than six decades.
He was Chief Medical Officer in England during the BSE public health crisis and the MMR vaccine debate. He was a chair of the World Health Organisation Executive Committee and chaired the Commission on Scottish Devolution from 2008 to 2009, among other prominent leadership positions. He was also the author of numerous books on medicine, a volume of poetry and an autobiography.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, said: “Our University community is deeply saddened by the death of Sir Kenneth Calman, who steered the University into an even stronger position through the developments he oversaw during an almost 10-year tenure.
“He left a tremendous legacy. Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family and friends."
Former Durham University Chancellor (2005-2011), Bill Bryson, said: “Kenneth Calman was a consummate Vice-Chancellor, indeed a consummate human being - wise, thoughtful, irrepressibly good-natured, deeply devoted to Durham and greatly admired by students and staff alike.
“Working beside him was an inspiration and a pleasure. I will miss him very much."
Anne Galbraith, former Chair of University Council, said: “I knew Ken slightly when he was Chief Medical Officer, so it was a great pleasure to get to know him better when I joined the Council of the University.
“His tenure included some major developments in the University, not least teaching medicine.
“Ken was always such good company, with an impish smile. He wore his learning and achievements lightly, and, for myself, he will always be remembered for his charm and unfailing good nature.”
Professor Ray Hudson, former Acting Vice-Chancellor (2014-2015) and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of Ken’s death. He understood the importance of intellectual advance across, as well as within, disciplinary boundaries and the ways in which this could contribute to tackling pressing local and global problems.
“He was instrumental in the establishment of the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, the Durham Energy Institute, and the pan-university Institute for Advanced Study, all of which continue to flourish as part of his legacy to the university."
Lucian Hudson, Executive Director, Communications & External Relations communications.team@durham.ac.uk
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