Cymmrodorion elect Professor Sir Deian Hopkin as new President
The Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion (“the Society” or “Cymmrodorion”), which promotes the language, literature, arts and science of Wales, today announces it has elected Professor Sir Deian Hopkin as its new President. Sir Deian’s election was confirmed by the Society’s council at its annual general meeting on 24 May 2022. He succeeds Professor Prys Morgan as President of the Society, who after seventeen years has decided to step down from the role. Professor Morgan is the one of the longest serving Presidents and will fulfil existing commitments to the Society this year – including hosting the Cymmrodorion Medal Ceremony in June and chairing the annual lecture during the Eisteddfod in August.
Sir Deian Hopkin is a Llanelli-born historian who spent 45 years in higher education in six universities, including twenty five years at Aberystwyth. A former Vice Chancellor of London South Bank University he has served as President of the National Library of Wales and was Chair of Wales Remembers/Cymru’n Cofio 1914-18 and Expert Adviser to the First Minister. Currently he is a charity trustee in the City of London, an international education consultant and a regular commentator for BBC Wales/ Cymru on politics and current affairs.
Sir Deian said: “It is a great privilege to be elected as President of the Cymmrodorion, an institution which has contributed so much to the development of Wales for close to three centuries. Prys’ inspirational leadership has ensured the Society’s continuing success and I am honoured to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to working with the chair, our vice-presidents and members as the Cymmrodorion seeks to continue its development and extend its impact.”
Professor Prys Morgan, the outgoing President of the Cymmrodorion (2005-2022), commented: “I have been honoured to serve as President of the Cymmrodorion since 2005. Throughout this time, I have had unwavering support from across our community, including numerous speakers and contributors to the Transactions. I am confident that the Society will now benefit from the experience and energy of Sir Deian, whom I know is as enthusiastic as I was to use the Presidency to promote the work of the Cymmrodorion in the years to come.”
Ceridwen Roberts, Chair of the Cymmrodorion Council, added: “I am delighted that the Society has elected Sir Deian Hopkin as President. As one of our leading historians, with a breadth of experience across politics, business and education, Sir Deian will help shape the future of the Society .For his years of service, I also want to pay tribute to the dedication and contribution of Professor Morgan as President. We look forward to welcoming him back as often as possible to our lectures, as one of the Cymmrodorion’s greatest friends.”