News | 10 December 2021
Cardiff Metropolitan University has unveiled a new student facility named in honour of its outgoing Chancellor.
The Barbara Wilding Building is located in the former Students’ Union on the University’s Llandaff Campus, offering a seamless space for students to socialise, work, exercise and relax, complete with seating, workspaces, a gym and eating areas.
It is named in honour of former Chief Constable of South Wales Police, Barbara Wilding CBE QPM, who served as Chair of the Board of Governors from 2011 to 2018, and became Cardiff Metropolitan University’s first Chancellor in 2015.
Miss Wilding’s term of office ended in November and concluded with Cardiff Met being awarded the prestigious title of ‘UK and Ireland University of the Year 2021’ at the Times Higher Education Awards last month.
Commenting on the official opening of the new Barbara Wilding Building, Professor Cara Aitchison, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “The creation of this new dedicated student-centred space at the heart of our Llandaff campus demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the student experience here at Cardiff Met.
“I am personally hugely grateful to Barbara for her dedication to Cardiff Met over the past 11 years. The Barbara Wilding Building will act as a lasting tribute to her tireless work, her commitment to our students and her immeasurable contribution to the University’s continued existence and success.
“It is also a fitting tribute to Barbara that her time in office is marked by Cardiff Met earning the title of University of the Year 2021 – a first for a Welsh University.”
Barbara Wilding, outgoing Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University said: “As l stand down l am immensely proud of the journey the University has undertaken during my time as Chair and latterly Chancellor. It has been a privilege to have played a part in its growing achievements and increased standing in the higher education sector.
“To witness Cardiff Met named as the UK’s University of the Year is something I am immensely proud of.”
“Having this new student space unveiled in my name is a huge honour and one I feel truly humbled to have been granted.
“Cardiff Metropolitan University is home to over 11,000 students, including international students from more than 140 countries, and I hope this new centre will play a major role in ensuring they continue to experience the first-class environment and facilities they deserve in order to learn, grow and flourish.”
John Taylor, Chair of the Board of Governors of Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Naming the building after Barbara is a lasting and fitting tribute to all of her efforts and dedication to improving the student experience here at Cardiff Metropolitan University.”
