Liverpool John Moores University becomes Guardian of Liverpool Cathedral
We sign a historic agreement that sees LJMU become our first Corporate Guardian
Professor Nigel Weatherill, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University and the Dean of Liverpool, the Very Revd Pete Wilcox have signed a historic £1m agreement that means Liverpool John Moores University will become the first corporate Guardian of Liverpool Cathedral.
The agreement builds on the long standing relationship between the two institutions, a relationship most notably seen in the biannual graduation ceremonies which are hosted in the cathedral.
Liverpool John Moores University will become one of only 12 Guardians of Liverpool Cathedral. Guardians are individuals or corporate partners who pledge to bring £1m to the cathedral’s £24m for 2024 campaign. The 12 Guardians will form the Guild of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, pledging to maintain the spirit and legacy for the cathedral’s architect and ensuring his great masterpiece will be secure in years to come.
The £24m for 2024 campaign aims to build on the spirit of the founders of Liverpool Cathedral. It is an ambitious campaign that is seeking to ensure that, by the time we celebrate the centenary of the consecration in 2024, the cathedral will be fit for purpose for its second one hundred years, with the fabric of the cathedral in good condition, and its facilities enhanced to serve the people of Merseyside. It also seeks to create an endowment so that future generations are relieved of the burden of future maintenance costs.
Being a Guardian will mean the Liverpool John Moores University will be able to secure and enhance the graduations which offer a memorable and fitting way to mark their student’s experience. As a Guardian they will also be able to enhance the student experience at the university through being able to offer freshers free tickets for our tower experience as well as offering magnificent music scholarships. The cathedral is committed to working with the University in these and other ways to maximise student benefit.
The Dean of Liverpool the Very Revd Pete Wilcox said
“This agreement marks a significant step in our longstanding relationship with Liverpool John Moores University. As a Guardian the University will make a generous contribution to securing the cathedral’s future. But today is about more than that. With the university as a Guardian, the Cathedral will keep student benefit in mind in every aspect of its life. I know the university values its relationship with the cathedral: this agreement represents a significant long term commitment to our partnership on both sides”.
LJMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill said:
“Liverpool John Moores University has long enjoyed a significant and symbolic relationship with Liverpool Cathedral that makes studying and working here, a standout experience. The Cathedral has provided the backdrop for the most significant events in the University history including the inauguration of the University in 1992 and the installation of successive Chancellor. In hosting our graduation ceremonies for some 30 years – the Cathedral brings together staff, students and their families to celebrate the defining experience of higher education, in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
That is why as a modern civic university, we are proud to continue to invest in this special relationship which though scholarships, outreach, special events and undergraduate learning opportunities, will bring benefits to the city and our student community, for years to come.”