“I’m fiercely proud of all our students. They make the university: they are its beating heart, and their values, talent and ambition are mesmerising” - Sir Eric Thomas
On Tuesday 30th April, UBBC were in attendance at the memorial of Sir Eric Thomas, a great supporter of UBBC over the years,who sadly died in November 2023. He was the former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol from 2001 to 2015. UBBC showed up to show their respects by paying tribute with a guard of honour on the steps of Wills Memorial to greet guests, including Baroness Hale (Former Bristol University Chancellor and the first female President of the UK Supreme Court). Guests remarked that it was “really, really special” and “a memorable display of support” and Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch acknowledged UBBC during her speech about Sir Eric, praising the Club for its turnout.
Sir Eric was extremely passionate about investing in students, to help them achieve their ambitions and pursue their talents. In 2014, UBBC were able to show their appreciation for his support when they named a new catamaran coaching launch after him.
Sir Eric began his career in teaching as a Lecturer at the University of Sheffield and went on to lecture at the University of Newcastle and later University of Southampton as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He later became Dean at Southampton before he made the move to Bristol as Vice-Chancellor in September 2001.
Sir Eric’s ethos centred around improving the quality of teaching and research at the University of Bristol, as well as enhancing the student experience. In honour of the advancements he made for the higher education, Sir Eric had received a knighthood in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his two year tenure as the President of the Universities UK, and as a founder member of the Worldwide Universities Network.
UBBC Alumni Founding Chair Chris Hartley said:
“This was a touching tribute to a fine man and a great friend of the Boat Club. The University, Club and Alumni brilliantly honoured Sir Eric’s outstanding contribution to Bristol, British Universities and medical science.”
