I write now with two pieces of news that are wholly unrelated to the virus.

The first is that, after 26 years, Coleen Day will be retiring at the end of September. You all know far better than I do what an absolutely extraordinary job she has done in that time, and I am delighted to say that she will remain a member of College: Governing Body has elected her to an Emeritus Fellowship. I look forward to a moment when we can thank her and celebrate her fabulous achievements in the style they deserve.

The second is that we have the immense good fortune to have recruited a new Development Director in Kate Foley. Kate comes to us from Exeter University and, before that, from St Hugh’s College, Oxford. She has a powerful track record of developing and implementing major fundraising campaign strategies, and extensive experience of cultivating new relationships with future donors. She arrives with us – albeit remotely – on May 4th.

Coleen will remain on the Governing Body as Development Strategy Fellow until the end of September, allowing for a smooth handover. Kate wants me to let you know she is very much looking forward to meeting you when meeting is possible once again.

In the meantime, I send you and yours socially distant but no less heartfelt wishes for good health and strength.

Professor Kate Tunstall, Interim Provost