Exeter welcomes Amelia Jackson Society
On Wednesday 22 April 2015 members of the Amelia Jackson Society gathered for their annual meeting and luncheon at the College. The Society, founded in 2013, enables Exeter to thank and recognise those alumni and Friends who have included the College in their will.
The day began with a welcome from the Rector, Sir Rick Trainor, and a reminder of why Amelia Jackson (1842-1925), wife of Rector William Jackson, remains so important to Exeter. Mrs Jackson left the bulk of her estate to the College on her death and her legacy created the Amelia Jackson Scholarships for postgraduate students. These scholarships have supported scores of Exonians over the last 90 years and several of our current Amelia Jackson Scholars joined us at the event.
The Rector’s welcome was followed by a lecture from Dr Jeff Donlea, Staines Fellow in Medical Research, whose post is also endowed thanks to Mrs Jackson’s legacy. He spoke about his research into fruit flies, their sleep patterns and the applicability of his work to the study of human sleep. Fascinated by the talk, the guests asked lively and far-reaching questions of Dr Donlea in an extended question and answer session.
After lunch in Hall and a tour of the College portraits by Emeritus Fellow in Medieval History, Dr John Maddicott, the guests moved on to the Chapel where they enjoyed a lecture-recital led by Amelia Jackson Scholar Ella Kirsh (2010, Literae Humaniores and 2014, Classical Language and Literature), with members of the Chapel Choir. Ella spoke engagingly about her MSt research into Saint Augustine’s presentation of choral music. This was illustrated with live examples as the Choir sang two psalms, Batten’s O Sing Joyfully and Rutter’s I Will Sing With The Spirit.
Exeter remains very grateful to all those who have included the College in their will and warmly encourages new members of the Society.
Rector Trainor introduces Dr Donlea’s talk
Amelia Jackson Scholar Ella Kirsh (2010, Literae Humaniores and 2014, Classical Language and Literature) talks in the Chapel
Guests enjoy lunch in hall
