Old College to recognise former student as ambitious project receives major funding boost

An Aberystwyth graduate who began his academic career in the Old College and whose work was recognised by NASA, is set to have a state-of-the-art cinema named after him in the building.

Dr Rhidian Lawrence from Trefin in Pembrokeshire graduated with first class honours in Physics in 1962 and studied for a PhD as a member of the University’s shockwave research group.

As part of a bequest of over £720,000 to his former university, Dr Lawrence has left over £360,000 to the Old College project.

The cinema, located in the World of Knowledge zone of the ambitious project, will be named in his honour and will host an annual public lecture in his name.

His donation will also support the cataloguing of the Physics Department’s historical collection.  

There will be further recognition next to an exhibit dedicated to the history of Professor E J Williams FRS, the Ceredigion born physicist whose most striking achievement was the demonstration in the Old College in 1940 of the decay of a cosmic ray meson into an electron.

In a professional career that spanned nearly forty years, Dr Lawrence worked for aerospace companies in Alabama and Seattle, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Colorado.

An expert in laser technology, he retained his love for the Welsh language and culture, singing with the Seattle Welsh Choir and supporting events such as the National Cymanfa Ganu.

Dr Lawrence, who died in July 2023, was also a great advocate for Welsh scientists and wrote a book entitled Important Scientists from Wales which is currently being edited for publication.

His generosity is a major boost to the Old College Appeal, the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of Aberystwyth University.

The Old College project has also secured an additional £5.4m of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF).

The latest NLHF contribution means that £37.4m has been raised from external sources for the Old College project, with over £4.5m provided by philanthropic trusts and individuals like Dr Lawrence.

Professor Anwen Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University and Executive Lead for the Old College project said:

“We are delighted to be able to acknowledge Dr Rhidian Lawrence’s support by naming the Old College cinema after him. Aberystwyth University provided the launch pad for his highly successful career in Canada and the US and it is wonderful that future generations here in Aberystwyth will benefit from his generosity to the Old College.”

“We also warmly welcome the additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund which is making the transformation of this landmark building possible. 

“Excellent progress has been made on site over recent months. By its very nature, the Old College has posed architectural and construction challenges, which coupled with the inflationary pressures seen across the construction sector in recent years, have affected progress and costs. This additional funding means we are now able to proceed with confidence to fulfil our vision for this ambitious project.”

New Life for Old College

New Life for Old College: Aberystwyth University

The Old College project will provide a major new centre for learning, heritage, culture and enterprise in three themed zones: World of Knowledge, Culture and Community, and Enterprise and Innovation.

Inspired by the University’s motto, World of Knowledge will include a centre celebrating pioneering Science and Research, a University Museum, a Young People’s zone with youth-led activities to boost skills, aspirations and wellbeing, a student study centre and a cutting-edge cinema facility.

Traditionally the beating heart of the Old College, the Quad will provide the focus for the Community and Culture zone’s exhibition galleries that will feature curated displays from the University collections and touring exhibitions from major partners. This zone also includes the UK’s first Centre for Dialogue.

The Enterprise and Innovation zone will provide 12 Creative Business Units and communal spaces to encourage young entrepreneurs in creative and digital businesses.

Up to 130 jobs will be created directly and indirectly and there will also be more than 400 volunteering opportunities.  There will be 4* hotel accommodation, bars, cafes and spaces for activities and events across 7 floors and 143 rooms, including a dramatic function room for 200 people with spectacular views across Cardigan Bay.

The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund, UK Government, Coastal Communities Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, philanthropic trusts and individuals.

Construction work on the Old College, the Georgian villas and the new atrium is expected to be completed in spring 2026.