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Scotland, The
University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third oldest and the
UK's fifth oldest University.
William Elphinstone established King's College to train
doctors, teachers and clergy for the communities of
northern Scotland, and lawyers and administrators to serve
the Scottish Crown. Much of the King's College still
remains today, as do the proud traditions, which the
Bishop began.
Picturesque and historic Old Aberdeen
- home of Elphinstone's original foundation - is now the
main university site, only one mile from the city centre.
The 15th century remains very much alive in King's
College, offering a sense of history in the daily life of
a university now focused on the needs of the new
millennium.
The University has also invested heavily in medical
research, where time and again University staff have
demonstrated their skills as world leaders in their field.
The custom-built Institute of Medical Sciences, completed
in 2002, was designed to provide state-of-the-art
facilities for medical researchers and their students.
In 1999, the University launched its ambitious
fund-raising campaign, The Sixth Century Campaign, to mark
the start of the University's sixth century of existence.
With the support of HRH The Prince of Wales as Campaign
Patron, the aim is to raise £150 million by 2010.
The fact that
the University has become what it is owes much to the
determination and vision of a very few individuals,
including a distinguished list of scholars who in their
own unique ways, helped to shape the University into the
world-class institute.
This is only the briefest glimpse into the history of
the University of Aberdeen. A far more detailed account
can be found in the publication Crown and Gown,
written by Jennifer Carter and Colin McLaren and published
by Aberdeen University Press. This publication was the
main source for this page and permission for use of the
material is gratefully acknowledged. Crown and Gown
can be purchased at most good book shops - price £6.95.
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