Exeter alumni wish farewell to Rector Cairncross

The Rector, Frances Cairncross, was honoured by alumni and friends who gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate her tenure and wish her well as she retires from Exeter College.

During the afternoon, John Leighfield (1958, Literae Humaniores) and former JCR President Ed Nickell (2011, PPE) spoke with great warmth and thanks about Ms Cairncross and her achievements as Rector. Their two perspectives – of long term alumnus and this year’s graduate – showed the respect in which she is held by alumni and students alike, and the impact that she has had on the College and community.

The Rector was overwhelmed to hear that so many alumni had made a gift in her honour, raising over £100,000 for the Walton Street development, and that a room on the new quadrangle would be named for her as a gift from the alumni.

Frances Cairncross will retire as Rector on Tuesday, 30 September 2014. She will take up the role of Chair of Council at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh at the end of the year.

The whole Exeter community is sorry to see Ms Cairncross leave the College and wishes her well this next stage of her life.

You can view photos from the tea party here.