John and Pat Hume have been honoured by Ulster University with the Magee Campus Teaching Centre being renamed after the pair.
The moment was celebrated on Friday, with a special event held in the now John and Pat Hume Building, with guest speakers and a conversation held between the Chancellor of Ulster University, Dr. Colin Davidson, and the author of ‘The Persuader,’ a biography on John Hume, Stephen Walker.
In attendance were members of the Hume family, their friends and representatives of the SDLP, the political party Hume represented and helped found in August 1970.
His son and current chair of the John and Pat Hume Foundation, John Hume junior, was ‘emotional’ about the heartfelt tribute to his parents.
He said: “It was quite an emotional moment arriving here and seeing the signage up for the first time and seeing so many old friends and faces, family and extended family here. I would like to say thank you to the vice chancellor and the university for doing this, as it was a very special moment for all of us.
“I think it is all the more special as it was the John and Pat Hume building, as they were a team, a formidable team.
“Mum and Dad had a long association with Magee Campus; a lot of it forms part of our history, it is very well known, and it forms a huge part of our city and the north of the island of Ireland.”
Last year the Hume Foundation worked in conjunction with Ulster University and the European Parliament Liaison Office UK to commemorate the work done by both John and Pat in the peace process of Northern Ireland by hosting an exhibition (He Made Hope and History Rhyme) at the Magee Campus last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and Nobel Peace Prize.
Anna Huth from the European Parliament Liaison Office UK said: “He was a European of the Year, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and a friend and family member to many of you, and for us at the European Parliament, he was a member for a quarter of a century, where he worked tirelessly to broker peace and reconciliation in his native land.
“He never tired of reminding us of his quote: ‘The Peace Process in Northern Ireland has been most heavily inspired by the example of this house (European Parliament) and that the European Union is the best example of conflict resolution in the history of the world; all the regions at war must study the way in which Europe was built’.
“John Hume was a strong voice in defending European values and democracy. His actions proved that working together, Europeans can overcome antagonism and build bridges towards a better future.
“We hope everyone who passes through this wonderful building will be inspired and proud of his example and bring his message across borders of European values, peace, and democracy will flourish.”
Throughout the conversation between Mr Walker and Dr Davidson, they spoke in high regard around the work of John Hume and what made him tick.
Witnessing the finer details and providing jovial stories about their previous experiences with the man or while working on art or books about him.
Their conversation then turned to the importance of Pat Hume and how her work in the background helped John thrive in public, with both wishing to help the community of Derry, as both a son and daughter of the city.
Vice Chancellor of Ulster University, Dr. Paul Bartholomew, spoke about the honour of naming the building on the campus after the husband and wife.
He said: “I am sure you will agree they are a poignant and fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of both John and Pat.
“Having spent much of the last year reflecting on the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and looking to the future with our 25 at 25 leadership programme it is only right that we return to the architects of change, who were instrumental in bringing about the peaceful times that we live in and all the opportunities and potential they have created.
“John and Pat Hume were champions of peace in times of trouble and turmoil; moreover, they offered leadership for peaceful change. The key focus of the foundation now is to establish their legacy and with whom we are collaborating closely. The study of peace and conflict resolution continues to form a key part of the curriculum here at Ulster University.
“We offer a special word to Michael Canavan, a centenarian who for many years championed the cause of higher education in this city, working tirelessly with John and Pat and a great many others in that regard. It is our privilege to have you here today, and we thank you for your ongoing interest in what we are doing here.
“John Hume instilled in us that difference is the essence of humanity, and at Ulster University our values focus on inclusion, integrity, collaboration, and enhancing potential.
“As teachers, John and Pat Hume sought to inform and inspire the next generation; our commitment to people, place, and partnership seeks to do the same, preparing our future leaders of industry and innovation in healthcare and commerce.
“The kind of learning spaces, both formal and social, that you find here in the Hume building and our adjoining library are key enablers of the pedagogy process, and it is a fitting legacy to both Pat and John Hume.”