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Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal officially re-opens the RVC’s transformed Hobday
IBuilding, Camden Campus
n the 2018 edition of Eclipse, we The Princess Royal, who is the Chancellor reported on the extensive work that was of the University of London, was able being carried out on the Hobday to witness how the modern renovation Building, transforming the small office has enhanced the teaching, learning and
structure into efficient modern areas for working environment, as well as the social
students and staff. This included social learning spaces, an extended dining facility, larger student common rooms, new and updated teaching rooms, refurbishment of the Haxby Bar, updated laboratories and open-plan office spaces for staff.
Although this project did not come without its challenges, we were delighted with its completion.
We were further delighted that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal toured and re-opened the Hobday Building in May this year.
facilities, for staff and students.
During her tour, Her Royal Highness met Dr Stuart Patterson, MSc Wild Animal Health Course Director and RVC Alumnus. It was the day of the Wild Animal Health students’ poster presentations and Stuart was able to show the Princess Royal some of the poster boards and also announce the winners: Joe Heaver and Sabiya Sheikh, whose certificates were then presented to them by the Princess Royal.
Reflecting on the day, Stuart Patterson said: “The posters presented showcased practical work that our MSc students
had been undertaking over the preceding seven months and they had plenty to talk about with the Princess Royal. Princess Anne spent several minutes chatting individually with many of the students and was very knowledgeable about their work. Having prizes awarded by royalty was a complete surprise for the winners!”
Her Royal Highness also saw our wonderful 'wall of achievement' which showcases some of our amazing alumni and their successes over the decades.
The wall features alumni profiles and their achievements to inspire current students, and it is displayed in the new social space by the main reception.
As part of the Hobday opening, we were delighted to have some of our alumni who featured on the wall with us in person. Students at the time, Ceri Chick and Gorprit Singh (SU Welfare Officer and SU President) introduced the Princess Royal to these alumni:
Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Leigh McMahon, and Dr Gabriel Galea. They were able to chat about their achievements with the Princess Royal.
RVC’s Professor Stephen May was able to show the Princess Royal a display
of Camden since 1791 to the present day and the plans for the Hawkshead redevelopment too.
At the end of the tour, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal unveiled the plaque to open the renovated Hobday Building.
It was an enjoyable day that was a pleasure to share with students, staff, alumni and key stakeholders involved in the project and the refurbished Camden Campus is already being benefitted from tremendously.
Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal greeting RVC alumni
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Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal unveiling the plaque.
RVC staff and students gathered for the plaque unveiling.