Bill Bryson calls halt to term at Durham university

Oct 21 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

HE called Durham the perfect little city and urged his readers to visit, even offering to loan them his car.

But yesterday American travel author Bill Bryson announced he was to step down as chancellor of the city’s university by the end of next year. He turns 60 in December 2011.

Bryson, a world-famous author, became the university’s 11th chancellor – the formal head of the institution – in April 2005 but is leaving to spend more time on his writing and family commitments.

He is best known for his series of books observing life in North America, Britain, Europe and Australia. He sang the praises of Durham in his best-selling book, Notes from a Small Island.

University vice-chancellor Professor Chris Higgins said: “Bill has done far more than simply fulfilling his ceremonial duties at congregation, giving his time, passion and inimitable talent to raise the university’s national and international profile in so many ways.

“Bill has been a wonderful ambassador for Durham, engaging with decision-makers, businesses, the media, university partners and, of course, with our staff, students and alumni in departments, colleges and at a whole host of events in Durham and around the world.

“Sadly, Bill has indicated to us that, following careful reflection, he feels he should step down from his role as chancellor by the end of 2011, after almost seven years in the role, due to his increasing professional and personal commitments. As an active writer, and more importantly as a husband, father and grandfather, he is, understandably, keen to spend more time at home.”

Mr Bryson said: “I will treasure forever the time that I have spent at Durham University and in this beautiful city. It has been just the greatest privilege and honour I have had in my life to serve as chancellor for such a remarkable community of students, staff and life-long university friends.

“I will miss Durham more than I can say and hope to find time to continue to visit after my time as chancellor has come to an end.”

His charitable activities at Durham have included the My Friend Oli campaign to encourage people to sign on to the NHS Organ Donor Register, and has joined Durham students as a litter-picker whenever he can to help keep Durham clean.

His commitment to engaging with all aspects of Durham life has been a defining part of his chancellorship.

Sam Roseveare, president of Durham Students’ Union, said: “Bill Bryson has been an inspiration and a true friend to Durham students. We will miss him greatly when he leaves.

“As a staunch advocate of student volunteering and charity work, Bill has made a genuine and personal impact on the student experience and, coupled with the eloquence of his addresses at congregations, he has been the very archetype of a chancellor.

“There is a great deal of goodwill felt towards Bill – I was discussing his departure with a group of students and it was as if they had lost, if not a close family member, a close family friend.”

Durham University has now begun the process to nominate, and thereafter appoint, a new chancellor. An announcement will be made in due course.

Previous chancellors at Durham University have included the writer-actor-director Sir Peter Ustinov and ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn de Arias.