College nine to be named after Constantine

Vision can reveal that the ninth college at the University of York is to be named Constantine College, after Constantine the Great who was crowned Roman Emperor in York in 306AD.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jane Grenville said: “College 9 finally has a name – Constantine College. There are two reasons. To date, we have not celebrated the Roman origin of the city and Constantine, declared Emperor here in 306AD, was undoubtedly the most significant historical figure associated with the city in its entire history.

“He converted to Christianity and ensured religious toleration in the Roman Empire. Without him, the course of European history would have been COMPLETELY different. And he’s a Yorkie! We’ll have Constantine to rhyme with line not lean.”

Constantine College is to become the third college on Heslington East, and is set to be officially opened in 2014, further increasing the amount of on-campus accommodation available at the University of York.

YUSU President Kallum Taylor wrote: “Personally I think it’s a really interesting choice which I’ve definitely not heard thrown around previously.

“I’ve heard of Cantor, Dyke and Deramore College being suggested, along with a few slightly more questionable suggestions… But this is a bit of a curveball! A very good one though.

“Still can’t imagine the Constantine College Football 2nds on a cold Wednesday afternoon in January doing battle on a boggy 22 acres though!”

In addition to Constantine College, the University are planning to build a hotel, supermarket, chain of shops and a further student-run venue on Heslington East, as the expansion of the second campus at the University continues.

First year English student Bradley Copper told Vision: “I think it’s fantastic that Constantine the Great has been chosen as the namesake for the ‘College Nine’. I feel that the name rightly challenges the idea that York is simply a stereotypically ‘English’ city, recognising and drawing attention to York’s small but important role in history’s more complex global narrative.”

Meanwhile third year Derwent student Phil Hammick remarked: “It’s quite an apt name really. A bit different to the others. In my opinion though this college should have been made before Langwith was moved away, as it ruined the college rivalry between Langwith and Derwent.”