Oxford’s New Vice Chancellor Grilled by Jewish Students
Oxford University’s new vice chancellor, Prof. Andrew Hamilton, was treated to a good-natured grilling by students at the prestigious institution while a guest of the Oxford Chabad Society.
Hamilton, a chemist and former provost of Yale University, attended the society’s Shabbat dinner last Friday night, said Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi EliBrackman. He used the opportunity to address issues of concern to students, particularly the economic restraints placed upon the 900-year university.
If the 271st vice chancellor had expected an easy ride from questioners, he may have left disappointed. He was asked about the paucity of housing available to families with children, wages paid to tutors and inadequate university supervision of lecturers. As for the oft-discussed issue bicycles, Hamilton said that not only does he own one, but he rides it too.
Hamilton, who wore a tuxedo, had words of praise for the Chabad Society, telling the 100 students in attendance that he was impressed with the dynamic and warm atmosphere of the Slager Jewish Student Centre and its embrace of students, faculty and community members of all backgrounds.
During the dinner, students toasted David Slager, the Oxford alumnus who has been a primary benefactor of the Jewish community at the university.
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| The Oxford Chabad Society’s student committee and its directors, Rabbi Eli and Freidy Brackman, fourth and fifth from right, visited Vice Chancellor Andrew Hamilton, center, after the close of the Jewish Sabbath. |
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