TRIBUTES City university ‘owes a great debt of gratitude to Sir Donald’

THE man who helped “lay the foundations” of Cardiff University has died aged 91.

Sir Donald Walters was a barrister by profession who turned his hand to the world of corporate finance.

He was an instrumental figure in turning Cardiff University into the institution we know today.

The university’s vice-chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “His financial and organisational acumen gained from the commercial world and as a barrister helped secure the successful management of the university following the merger of the former University College, Cardiff and the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (Uwist).

“This helped lay the foundations for the successful Cardiff University we see today.

“He will also be remembered for the interest he took in our student community. Sir Donald is fondly remembered by colleagues at Cardiff University Students’ Union.

“The university owes a great debt of gratitude to Sir Donald. He will be sadly missed.”

Pro-Chancellor Richard Roberts said: “Donald is best known and most revered for his chairmanship of the Executive Commission which brought about the merger of University of Wales College, Cardiff and Uwist at the end of the 1980s.

“He was subsequently appointed chair of council – a position he held for 10 years. He continued as a council member until 2010. He was elected vice-president 1989-2004 and would have completed his term as pro-chancellor at the end of July this year.

“He worked closely with Sir Julian Hodge who was a generous benefactor to Uwist. He was an executive director of Chartered Trust, deputy chairman of the Welsh Development Agency, vice-chairman of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, director and vice-chairman of Welsh National Opera and chairman of Llandough NHS Trust.

“Sir Donald worked tirelessly for the university, giving his time generously. More recently he had played a valued role as a trustee of the Students’ Union, where his legal expertise and financial acumen were of inestimable value to sabbatical officers year on year.

“The union decided to recognise his contribution to its success by naming the boardroom after him.

“Donald was devoted to his wife Jean and I know how distressing he found her debilitating illness, especially when she had to go into care. He and Jean had a wide appreciation of both opera and orchestral music and my wife Sue and I were fortunate to often spend time in their company at productions of Welsh National Opera and concerts at St David’s Hall.”

Sir Donald was knighted in 1983 and served as High Sheriff of South Glamorgan in 1987-88. Until quite recently, he also served as clerk to the Dean and Chapter of Llandaff Cathedral.

Writing about Sir Donald, Mr Roberts paid tribute to his drive and dedication.

“Early retirement was a figment of someone else’s imagination but certainly not Donald’s. He will be sorely missed,” he added.