THE ONLY Catholic college in the University of London, Heythrop, has its future assured until at least 1988, putting to an end fears that it would have to close in 1985.
Fr Francis Walker SJ, Principal of Heythrop, which is administered by the Jesuits, told this year's intake of new students that he wished at the end of his term of office in 1985 to hand over "a college which is going to continue long into the future."
Fr Walker was appointed by the college governors on a temporary basis, until the future of Heythrop was assured.
He said in his address at the beginning of term this month: "You all know how uncertain the survival of university institutions is. In recent weeks the national press has carried news of amalgamations and reductions of other colleges within our own University of London."
Heythrop needs to consolidate its position. Fr Walker intends to increase the number of students, which now stands at 130, though he can see no way to do so at a stroke.
He would like to see the yearly intake for the BD degree rise from the present 20 to 30 or 35;
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