Sir George Buckley honoured to be installed as University Chancellor
Sir George Buckley has described being installed as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield as his “greatest honour”.
One of the world’s most respected business figures and a graduate of the University, Sheffield-born Sir George formally accepted the role at one the institution’s graduation ceremonies having been forced to wait over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sir George gained a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a PhD in Engineering from Huddersfield in the 1970s. In the stellar business career that followed, he has worked in the UK steel and electricity industries before a move to the US saw him become chairman, president and CEO of 3M, whose brands include Scotch Tape and Post-It notes.
He received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2002, and a decade later its new business and innovation centre was named the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. It is also home to the Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre, which aims to strengthen leadership skills and empower inspiring and creative leaders through leading-edge leadership development solutions.
The University's Chancellor Sir George Buckley talks about his career, inspirations and his love for Yorkshire, 'God's own Country'.
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“As you move through your life and career, there is no honour better than being recognised by your alma mater,” said Sir George.
“Other people give you awards and accolades but in this particular case this is the greatest honour I could ever imagine I would be given. I am ecstatic at being given the chance to be Chancellor of this University.”
The University’s Vice-Chancellor Bob Cryan said, “Sir George has been tremendously generous in his support for the University over the years, and is a role model for our students and graduates. We are delighted that he has agreed to become our Chancellor.”
Sir George Buckley and Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob CryanHe currently holds posts that include the Chairmanship of UK manufacturer and technology innovator Smiths Group plc, and he has most recently retired as Chairman of Stanley Black & Decker, and he is a retired member of the board of Hitachi, the Japanese industrial conglomerate, and recently retired from the board of PepsiCo.
“This was the place that made me become what I am,” Sir George added. “I had a real passion for learning, so to come somewhere where the teaching was great and people cared about me as a student was great for me.
“My advice to students here is to keep your eyes on the prize. When you’re struggling with the course, a teacher, or with money you have got to see beyond that and keep your eyes on the prize.”