Malin Broberg inaugurated as Vice-Chancellor
”It is not a coincidence that I am standing here today. It is because of those who came before me, in my family, and in the rest of society. The fact that background and conditions play such a big role in who applies for higher education is one of the major challenges that we need to address if universities are to maintain their legitimacy and relevance to society.” This was explained by Malin Broberg, the University of Gothenburg’s 20th Vice-Chancellor, in her inauguration speech on 15 September.
The inauguration took place in the auditorium of the university’s main building in Vasaparken. Peter Larsson, the Chair of the University Board, emphasised the university’s vision: to be a university for the world.
”We can offer a wide range in our subjects, but we also stand for strong values, which is shown, among other things, by the fact that the Segerstedt Institute, which works to increase knowledge about violent ideologies, is located at our university.
It was this spring that the Board proposed Malin Broberg as new Vice-Chancellor, which the Government later decided on.
”Malin Broberg has a solid academic career behind her, she has shown great leadership qualities but also a humility before the assignment and the Board wishes her every success in the future.”
The students stand behind Malin Broberg
Alice Lindén, Chair of the University of Gothenburg Student Unions, explained that this ceremony marks the beginning of something new.
”As a professor of Psychology and former Dean, you are a perfect person for the important task of leading our university and we students stand behind you.”
Well wishes from former Vice-Chancellor
Malin Broberg’s predecessor in the position of Vice-Chancellor, Eva Wiberg, pointed out that no Swedish university has previously had three female Vice-Chancellors in a row.
”You are a team player and a sailor who knows how to navigate. You also know that we are not stronger alone and therefore have a number of people supporting you. Being the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg is a privilege and I wish you the best of luck in every way.”
Vice-Chancellor chain handed over
Eva Wiberg then ceremoniously handed over the University of Gothenburg’s Vice-Chancellor chain to Malin Broberg, who gave her thanks in a speech.
”Some time ago, I read Michelle Obama’s book The Light We Carry. One passage has a wonderful analogy between knitting and leadership. She writes: ’In knitting, as in so much else in life, I have learned that the only way to arrive at the more comprehensive answer is to take one small stitch at a time... And eventually, through diligence and patience, you begin to get a glimpse of the shape itself. You see some kind of answer, that thing you hoped for, you see a new order taking shape in your hands’.”
The musical elements were provided by soprano Julia Nylander and pianist Beatrice Vanzo, as well as the University of Gothenburg’s academic chamber choir under the direction of Mathias Harms. The Gothenburg Brass Quintet played during the academic procession.
By: Eva Lundgren
