New building names formally unveiled

The University of Wolverhampton has renamed two of its main buildings at its City Campus. 

An official naming ceremony was staged earlier this week led by the University’s Chancellor, The Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone PC.

He was joined by members of his family and friends and civic dignitaries at the event to formally name The Wulfruna Building and The Ambika Paul Building.

The buildings have been renamed as part of the University’s approach to giving its campuses and buildings an identity and presence.

The Grade II listed Wulfruna Building in Wulfruna Street has been named after Lady Wulfrun or Wulfruna, the founder of what has become Wolverhampton. It is the University’s oldest building and opened in 1931 as the then Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Technical College.

The building acts as the official main entrance of the University and its foundation stone was laid by HRH Prince George.

The Ambika Paul Building has been named in the memory of Lord and Lady Paul’s daughter, Ambika, who died in 1968 at the age of four, from leukaemia. Following her death a charitable foundation was set up in her name, which promotes the well-being of children and young people worldwide through education.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “We want the identity’s and names of our buildings to reflect the University’s values and give them a distinctive identity.

“Both of these new names do exactly that for different reasons but ultimately they both represent our strength and are all about giving opportunity.

‌“Lady Wulfrun was a female leader and is an important symbol for Wolverhampton and her statue lies just a stone’s throw from the building. Ambika only had a short life but showed tremendous strength and courage in her battle against leukaemia.

“We are very grateful for Lord and Lady Paul for coming to attend the ceremony and we believe it provides a fitting legacy and tribute to Ambika’s life.”

The Ambika Paul Foundation donated funds towards the refurbishment of the University’s Students’ Union in 2010 and earlier this year gifted £1m to help enhance the student experience at the University.

ENDS

Picture 1: Lord Paul with Lady Paul and daughter Anjli outside the Ambika Paul Building.

Picture 2: Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer with Lord Paul at the formal unveiling of the Wulfruna Building.

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.