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Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Accepts Presidency at College Launch (2010-04-28 )

The official launch of the extension of Coleg Llandrillo Cymru following its merger with Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor took place yesterday evening at the Senedd’s Pierhead building, Cardiff Bay.

The event, which was hosted by Education Minister Leighton Andrews, was held to celebrate the success of the merger process and mark the start of a new era for post-16 education and training in North Wales. Guests included AMs, College officials and senior representatives from education, business and the community. “I’m honoured to be here today to join you in celebrating this important occasion,” Leighton Andrews said. “This represents a clear commitment to the future of learners throughout the region, and stands as an example of good practice for the future configuration of the Further Education sector in Wales.” “This merger shows clearly that both Colleges placed the requirements of learners, businesses and the communities they serve at the very heart of considerations,” continued the Minister. “I would like to congratulate both Colleges for their vision and drive in creating a large, viable and vibrant organisation that will undoubtedly ensure an exciting and rewarding future for education and training in North Wales. “ The launch also served to formally announce that Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, Presiding Officer, is to become Honorary President of Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, now one of the largest Colleges in the UK. The College has around 1300 staff and over 21,000 students studying at nine campuses across Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd. The role, the first of its kind in Further Education, will enable Lord Elis-Thomas to act as honorary figurehead and ambassador for the College, further enhancing its national and international reputation. As President, he will attend and contribute to College events as far as he is able, including Graduation and Awards Ceremonies. In accepting the position, Lord Elis-Thomas commented: "I believe that we are moving towards a very exciting period for post-16 education in Wales, and I am delighted to be part of it. The recent merger has created a robust college in the North that will be able to respond to any new challenge. I am very pleased to be able to support this development and look forward to working closely with the College in the future through my new honorary role.” “This is indeed an historic day for the College and the areas served by the extended institution, and to have Lord Elis-Thomas accept our invitation is a tremendous honour,” said John Bellis, Coleg Llandrillo Cymru Corporation Chair. Huw Evans OBE, Coleg Llandrillo Cymru Principal commented: “Our thanks are extended to both Mr Leighton Andrews AM and Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM for their support throughout the merger process and their continued commitment to working together as the College moves forward.” “The College received an overwhelmingly positive response to the consultation process, clearly demonstrating the breadth of support for the merger and the opportunities it will bring. We now look forward to working with the Welsh Assembly Government and key partners to drive developments and contribute to shaping the future landscape of education and training in Wales.”

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