Professor Brian O'Connell, former UWC Rector, whose leadership and vision transformed the university, will be remembered with deep respect. Picture: Supplied
Professor Brian O'Connell, the former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), who served from 2001 to 2014, has died.
This was announced in a media statement from the university, who said O’Connell’s leadership left a lasting impact.
Professor Tyrone Pretorius, UWC’s Vice-Chancellor said O'Connell’s legacy was one of passionate conviction, intellectual clarity, and engaged leadership.
He guided UWC through challenging times, including financial vulnerability, staff retrenchments, and a potential merger with the Peninsula Technikon.
During his tenure, O’Connell faced an imminent crisis when the National Working Group recommended a merger between UWC and the Peninsula Technikon. This recommendation was met with significant resistance from the UWC community.
O'Connell led efforts to oppose the merger, advocating for the university's autonomy and arguing that UWC should not be penalized for historical disparities and underfunding.
"He made the case that UWC’s ongoing commitment to providing an intellectual home for all, especially for working-class students, should not be penalized," Pretorius said.
Under his leadership, UWC began a phase of significant rebuilding and transformation.
The establishment of the Life Sciences Building and other infrastructure projects, including new buildings for various faculties and additional student accommodation, were pivotal in enhancing the university’s visibility and academic strength.
Professor O’Connell also focused on UWC's role as an ‘engaged university,’ emphasizing the need to address societal inequalities through teaching, research, and community engagement.
"He firmly believed that UWC’s role was to critically engage with the complex realities of both the privileged and less privileged worlds of Cape Town," said Pretorius.
Despite his health challenges in later years, O'Connell remained deeply connected to UWC, a place where he found joy and inspiration.
His contributions were recognized with honorary doctorates and the title of Commander of the Order of Leopold II from the Belgian government.
In his tribute, Pretorius highlighted O'Connell's humility and warmth, recalling his simple yet profound gestures, such as picking up litter on campus and remembering staff members' names. "He was warm, affable, and always dignified, even in the most challenging situations."
IOL
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