St Mary’s Thanksgiving Mass for the leadership of Professor Anthony McClaran

The St Mary’s University community came together on Wednesday 11 June for a special Thanksgiving Mass in the University Chapel to celebrate and give thanks for the leadership and service of Professor Anthony McClaran as he prepares to step down as Vice-Chancellor at the end of the academic year.

The Mass was attended by staff, students, alumni, friends of the University and members of Professor McClaran’s family. Among those present were the University’s Chancellor Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Chair of Governors Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, and Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

The service offered an opportunity for the University community to reflect on Professor McClaran’s six years of leadership, during which he has guided St Mary’s through a period of significant challenge and change. Appointed during the Covid-19 pandemic, he led the University through an unprecedented chapter in its history while continuing to strengthen its Catholic mission, academic excellence and commitment to serving the common good.

The Thanksgiving Mass was a fitting occasion to recognise Professor McClaran’s lasting impact on St Mary’s and to celebrate the friendships, partnerships and sense of community that have flourished during his time as Vice-Chancellor.