Honouring a man of his community

Today, at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Graduation Ceremony in Carmarthen Eifion Griffiths was presented with an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding service to the University, the development of its campuses and its international work.

Introducing Eifion Griffiths to the congregation, Professor Dylan E. Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “Eifion Griffiths is a man who has made a very significant contribution to the success and growth of this University.

“He is an individual who is respected and admired by a large number in his community. If he was born in the shadow of Carreg Cennen castle, then his shadow as a community stalwart is cast over the area just as widely. We are very grateful to him for all his contributions and for his generosity”.

Eifion Griffiths was a member of the University’s Council during a key period in the University’s growth and was involved in a number of major initiatives, including the merger with Swansea Metropolitan University, the development of “Yr Egin” in partnership with S4C and the restructuring the University’s resources in Swansea. He is also a representative of the Board of Colleges at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion, part  of the UWTSD Group.

Eifion was educated at Ysgol Gwynfe and Llandovery County High School. After his education up to A level, Eifion joined Lloyds Bank where he spent the early days in west Wales before moving to Cardiff and Pont-y-Pool. He then began a career as an inspection team leader in Cambridge, East of England, and London. After a period of around 6 years, he returned to south Wales as a Manager in Port Talbot. He soon had the valuable experience of being seconded to the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) to promote and advise businesses for Wales. Both tasks were challenges in different ways, in particular, during the tremendous pressure faced by the steel industry.

After two years with the Agency, he was appointed to the position of Manager in Swansea, where he spent ten years dealing mainly with companies and commercial organisations. In 1994 he took the opportunity to redirect his career and was appointed Business Director at Swansea University mainly responsible for the commercial side of the university. This included establishing partnerships with organisations and authorities such as the Welsh Development Agency, the County Council, the Sports Council for Wales and housing companies. During this period, the Welsh National Swimming Pool was built on the university grounds and the sports resources of the university and Swansea Council were combined to create a Sports Village for the whole community.  Several “Technium” centres were also built in collaboration with the Welsh Development Agency to bridge the gap between the Higher Education sector and the business world.

Eifion also spent almost ten years on the Vale of Glamorgan and Hywel Dda Health Boards, Cwmni Tai Gwalia and five years as Chairman of Grŵp Pobl Commercial Board.

Eifion, and his wife Undeg, returned to his birthplace in 2006, settling in Ffairfach, Llandeilo, after 26 years in Neath.

Professor Jones added: “The creation of this University aligns so closely with Eifion’s core values and beliefs. It recognises the wider role of higher education in creating opportunities at different levels and ages for as many individuals as possible. We are here to serve others and today we recognise Eifion’s commitment to that core principle and applaud him for being ready to put that belief into practice. Paying lip service to something is not good enough for Eifion and for this strength of principle and values we offer him our heartful thanks”.

Eifion Griffiths continues to support voluntary and community organisations in his square mile. He spent 8 years as treasurer of the Welsh Independent Union and a period as Chairman of Llandeilo Rugby Club.  He was part of the planning of the university’s activities to celebrate 150 years since the first game of rugby was played in Wales between St David’s College, Lampeter and Llandovery College in 1866. He is currently treasurer of “Money for Madagascar” - a charity that raises money for humanitarian and educational projects on an island where ecological destruction over the years has made it one of the poorest countries in the world. He also contributes to the success of Menter Dinefwr, an organisation that seeks to develop the local community and promote the Welsh language in the north of Carmarthenshire.

On receiving his award, Eifion Griffiths, commented:

“It is an honour for me to stand on this stage today to receive this honour. This is an organization that has been very important to my life over the last ten years. It has been a pleasure for me and Indeg I to be part of the close-knit society that is here in the main town.

“This is a day for the graduands to receive their awards and many congratulations and sincere good wishes to you all. You’re embarking on a journey and what a start to your careers. I would urge you to take every opportunity to continue that learning. Learning is a lifelong process. The groundwork which yhas been laid over the last few years will hold you in good stead as you build on your careers.

“The university having gone through major periods of change is going through another significant change with the retirement of the chair and vice chancellor. On a personal note, I would like to thank them fo the privilege of working with them over the years and I wish them well in the future.”

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076