Former VC to receive Freedom of the City
04 March 2010
Former LJMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Toyne, will be given the Freedom of the City to recognise his public service and academic success.
Professor Toyne, co-author of the city’s historic Capital of Culture winning bid document which is widely acknowledged as spearheading the city’s renaissance, will join the likes of The Beatles, Nelson Mandela and Sir Simon Rattle who have also received the accolade.
Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Councillor Mike Storey said: “I’m delighted that Professor Toyne is receiving the highest honour the city can bestow.
“Professor Toyne’s award is recognition of the massive contribution he has made to our community through his pioneering academic achievements and for his unquestioning support and infectious enthusiasm for the city’s Capital of Culture bid.
“As a headteacher and someone involved in education for more than 40 years, I would like to personally thank him for his long-standing service to Higher Education.”
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Warren Bradley, said: “I am immensely proud of the service Professor Toyne has given to the city. He is an extremely worthy recipient of the accolade and I hope he will continue to showcase our city in his own unique and wonderful way.”
Leader of the opposition, Councillor Joe Anderson said: “Professor Toyne’s passion for education and for Liverpool has been passed on to countless people. He has had a wonderful career and given so much to the city of Liverpool. Giving Professor Toyne the Freedom of the City is recognition of a lifetime of achievement, and to thank him for his tremendous contribution to Liverpool.”
Claire McColgan, Director of Culture Liverpool, said: “Professor Toyne was an absolute inspiration throughout the whole bidding process and is an unashamed champion of the city. His efforts went a long way to establishing the wonderful cultural legacy that the city currently enjoys.”
