Eminent Professor at Queenswood's Speech Day

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 12th of July 2011

On Saturday 2 July, Queenswood School near Hatfield, Hertfordshire welcomed former pupil Professor Dame Alison Richard, DBE, DL as guest of honour at the annual Speech Day and Prize-giving.
Among her many achievements in the field of anthropology and primate research, Professor Richard worked in the USA where she rose to become Provost of Yale University. She returned to the UK to become the first woman to hold the full time post of Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University from 2003-10.

In addressing the 1000-strong audience at Speech Day, Professor Richard congratulated the students for their long list of achievements and thanked the teachers and parents for their dedication and hard work over the years. She saluted the girls on the wonderful range of activities and interests with which they have been involved over the past year including fund-raising, international exchanges, work in the community and sporting triumphs, to name a few.

Professor Richard advised the U6 leavers not to worry if they are going on to university without a clear idea of their future career plans; they are to grasp all the opportunities as they unfold. She acknowledged that for those leaving the school there will be mixed emotions and she urged everyone to 'carry the good of this place with you' forward into their adult life.

After enjoying picnic lunches in glorious sunshine in the school grounds, the girls, parents and staff departed for their summer holidays, returning in September at the start of the new academic year.

[The photograph shows, l-r, the Head Girl, Olivia Garnham, Chairman of Governors, Clare King and Professor Dame Alison Richard.]