Annie Lennox honoured as university building is named after her

Singer and humanitarian Annie Lennox has had a building at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) named after her.

Ms Lennox was appointed as first female chancellor of the university in 2018 and received an honorary doctorate in 2011 for her humanitarian work.

The building formerly known as the Hamish Wood building – one of the university’s most recognisable – will be branded as the “Annie Lennox building”.

Ms Lennox, who was born and raised in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, will also preside over three of the university’s summer graduation ceremonies taking place at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow after two years of these taking place on Zoom because of the pandemic.

Since becoming Chancellor of GCU, Dr Lennox has undertaken a wide range of work to support the University and its students including officiating during graduation ceremonies, meeting students on campus to share her experience and wisdom, taking part in discussions including a COP26 online debate, and providing a range of supportive video messages of solidarity and encouragement during the global COVID-19 pandemic as well as calls to action to promote gender equality and climate action.

The 67-year-old former Eurythmics and The Tourists singer said it was “an incredible honour” to have the building named after her.

She said: “I’m looking forwards to taking part in GCU’s graduation ceremonies this week in person, after the last two years, when the only way we could connect was via Zoom.

“I’m so proud of all the graduates, who’ve coped brilliantly with all the extra challenges, to finally succeed in reaching their goals and achievements.”

Annie Lennox is to become the first ever female Chancellor of the university. Picture: Alexi Lubomirski/Glasgow Caledonian University/PA Wire

GCU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Pamela Gillies, said: “Glasgow Caledonian University is extremely fortunate to have Dr Lennox as its chancellor.

“Her passion, wisdom, guidance and support for our community, especially through the recent challenges of the pandemic, have been transformative.

"Naming one of our most prominent building the 'Annie Lennox Building' is in recognition of everything she has done for the University, our students, and her wider life-changing work for the Common Good.”

Ms Lennox’s relationship with the university began in 2011 when she was given its first international humanitarian award forher work to promote health and human rights for women and children affected by HIV/Aids.