YALE LINK HITS THE RIGHT NOTE WITH U.S. VISITORS
WREXHAM
UK
July 5, 2001
Wrexham played host to a musical extravaganza as it welcomed friend from across the Atlantic.
Members of America’s Yale University Alumni Chorus were in town yesterday as part of a special visit to strengthen their links with Wrexham.
The day started with a breakfast meeting to discuss future links which was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr Sandy Mewies.
The conference, held at the Guildhall, was attended by the Vice President of Yale University, Linda Lorimer; the Dean, Richard Brodhead; and the Director of the Alumni, Mark Dollhopf.
Also present were the leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Shan Wilkinson; Chief Executive, Derek Griffin; Yale College, Wrexham, Principal Emlyn Jones; NEWI Principal, Professor Michael Scott; Deputy Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Alan Pugh, AP; and the Vice Consul from the American Embassy in London, Matthew Hurley.
Strengthen
Mr. Griffin said: “Our American guests have already said they consider Wrexham the home of Yale University because of the links with Elihu Yale. This morning’s breakfast meeting was very positive and we discussed ways to enable us to continue to strengthen links between Wrexham’s University Sector College NEWI and Yale University.”
After the meeting the 500-strong group, including choir members’ family and friends, paid homage to their benefactor, Elihu Yale.
The choir performed a 30-minute open-air concert in Queen’s Square, which was followed by a procesion to St. Giles Parish Church and the laying of a wreath on Elihu Yale’s grave.
The choir then performed a musical memorial tribute to their benefactor inside the church before moving outside to the grounds for a celebration picnic.