Kevin Dunion
 
Met up for dinner with the speakers for the University Debating Society's US Mid Term Election debate and then along to a packed Lower Parliament Hall where, as expected, partisan rhetorical blows were traded , but with no side landing  a knock out line. Nevertheless the final result in the floor vote was an overwhelming victory for the Democrats- which they would love to see repeated on the other side of the pond. 
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Stacey Hilliard, Vice-Chair of Republicans Abroad and Ray Bonner of the New York Times
 
 
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If you're organising an event, campaigning on an issue or need some advice, the Rector is here to help. 


Kevin will be holding drop-in 'surgery' sessions at various points this semester,  from 2-3.30pm in the Union Main Bar.
The dates for this semester are
Wednesday 20th October,
Wednesday 3rd November,
Wednesday 24th November and
Wednesday 8th December.

Feel free to email Kevin on rector@st-andrews.ac.uk, or Amanda, the Rector's Assessor on al382@st-andrews.ac.uk with any questions, or just drop in to the sessions
 
 
The Golden Middle in eastern European universities is the time when students take stock of how far they have come in their studies and are acknowledged for their achievements , and given motivation for the remaining half of their time at university. The Golden Middle Ball held in the Younger Hall at the end of Freshers Week was aimed at new 3rd year students in particular and I was delighted to be asked by Vladimir Bliznyukov to be the keynote speaker and to be introduced by The Proctor, Professor Peter Clark. Tickets sold well and the organizers want this to be an 'instant tradition' so I hope that it is on the calendar next year.
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At the Golden Middle with The Proctor (far left) Amanda Litherland, Rector’s Assessor (third from left ) and Vladimir Bliznyukov (far right) and members of the organising committee.
 
 
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Not wanting to miss out on the fun of Freshers' week, the Rector will be involved with a couple of events this week.


On Tuesday night Kevin will kick off the first of the St Andrean Lecture series. This will be at 6.30pm in School III of St Salvator's quad and is open to all students. Along with Chris Hill, Kevin will be talking about student politics and his experience of activism as a student at the University himself in the '70s. Come along for an interesting start to your Tuesday night!


Kevin is also delighted to be opening the first 'Golden Middle' Ball, on Saturday 25th Sepetember - a new tradition that marks the mid point of University life for Third Years with a drinks reception and welcome from the Principal at 6.30pm, but which will open to all students from 8.30pm for a formal but festive night of DJs, dancing and live music.


Amanda, the Rector's Assessor will also be at these events, and also on hand at the Freshers' Fayre on Sunday 26th with information about the Rector for First Years and details of this semester's Meet The Rector sessions.


Enjoy your week, whether it's your first, second, third, fourth or more!