Student No.53

So, the good students of Glasgow University have elected Edward Snowden as Rector. Two Rectors served while I was there - Pat Kane and Johnny Ball. Hue and Cry were at their peak - especially in the West of Scotland - in the late 80s, so I suspect we were all a bit star struck by the local pop star.

Johnny Ball was a particularly special rector for us science students. For many undergraduates in the early 90s, he would have been the one who introduced us to maths and science on children's TV in the late 70s and early 80s. He certainly did for me. As the world around us declared that maths was too boring and too hard, "Think of a Number" introduced a generation of kids to the notion that there was a beauty in numbers and a thrill in science.

Of course, JB damaged his credibility hugely in later years with some very odd views on science; and as adults we can see the limits to his expertise. But he was a great Rector and a great inspiration at the time.

Back to Edward Snowden. I'd dug out an old photo of the Physics Class of 1995 for my blip. But the outline silhouette that accompanied the photo, to help identify classmates in years to come, seemed altogether more shadowy and apposite to mark the appointment of the new Rector.

PS. I'm Number 53.