Professor Mike Pittilo
Professor Mike Pittilo, the principal and vice chancellor of Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University, died suddenly yesterday 16th February, at the age of 55.
Prof Pittilo, who was appointed to head the university five years ago, had been ill for some time but had continued to work at his post until last week.
Prof John Harper, the acting principal of RGU, said last night: "We've lost an inspirational leader who will be sadly missed not only for the direction he brought to the university but also the warm rapport he had with both staff and students. "Our thoughts are very much with his wife Carol at this time.
Professor Hugh Barr said 'Mike's death is a huge loss to the interprofessional movement to which he contributed so much. I recall especially his lead role in establishing the joint faculty at St George's and Kingston, and the groundbreaking work which he and Jill did on benchmarking at the QAA, quite apart from many personal kindnesses and messages of support'.