Geoff Ward

Principal’s Message

Professor Geoff Ward PhD FRSA

Iam sure that by now you could write this column for me, not only because I must have started to repeat myself over my eight years here, but because anyone’s account of the last year is going be essentially the same – an account of Getting By, under Covid. As Principal of the College, with a spacious Lodge, garden, and immediate access to Homerton’s orchard and meadows, I am conscious of living a very privileged life. To be ‘locked down’ next to the tranquil but everchanging gardens was no great privation. Nor was it a constraint to be told that social gatherings over a certain size were off limits. I have probably been to more than enough parties in my life, and although I missed the company and conviviality of dining across the Colleges, I told myself it wasn’t a bad thing for my waistline.

I have, however, felt very sorry for our students. Their bedsit accommodation was not designed for round-theclock living and working, and they are at age where the student experience should include joyous times of freedom, experiment and fun alongside working for the degree. The core purpose of a college is to supply that extra, holistic dimension which rounds the student out as a person, gives their life enjoyment as well as structure, and catches them if they fall. It has caused me great sadness to see them, of necessity, cooped up, while not being able to join them for dinner in the Halls, jazz in the bar, applause on the river or in the theatre – that extra college dimension. I do however pay tribute to their forbearance and good sense. The great majority have behaved with extraordinary restraint and consideration. And, to be candid, when one or two have kicked over the traces a bit in this long period of social distancing and other limitations, I haven’t always had it in me to blame them. What a time to be young.

It has finally dawned on me that I am not young, and this is my last column as Principal before retiring. Notwithstanding all the current difficulties, I know I am leaving Homerton in safe hands, and in good shape. Homerton is more academically successful than it was when I took up post; the number of applicants putting us as their first choice of college has risen by around 30% in each of the last three years. Although we have lost conference income, our investment portfolio has more than weathered the storm; we are significantly wealthier now, and are not assailed by the difficult decisions facing some others in collegiate Cambridge. We have some splendid new buildings – I look forward to coming back for the opening of the new Dining Hall early in 2022 – and the purchase of 3.5 acres of contiguous land has given us a bulwark against the vagaries of the future. We now offer all of the Triposes, Architecture having joined us this year. Importantly, in terms of our role in society, Homerton is the most diverse of the colleges, and the one most committed to widening access without lowering standards. This is the College that Lord Simon Woolley will lead, and I wish him every success.

The achievements of the last eight years are far from mine alone. I have been blessed with a brilliant and tenacious Bursar, Deborah Griffin; as Senior Tutor, Dr Penny Barton by common agreement personifies the values for which Homerton stands: and I could not have had a better Vice-Principal than Dr Louise Joy. But these are just some of the names without whose support we would not be where we are. The encouragement of the RSMs and alumni assured me that the direction of travel was right. The mood of the students, the Fellowship, the staff, and the shared readiness for change and adventure have been an inspiration. I have not had to deal with the whispering cabals and nay-sayers that are said to disturb the sleep of other Heads of House at times. Perhaps now is the time to write that campus novel…

If I do, I had better get the details right. In several documents recently I have made reference to retiring on 31st September, but have ceased to do this since it was quietly pointed out to me that there is no such date in the calendar. I take this to be Nature’s way of telling me it is time to step aside. There are books to write and (when we’re allowed, and I know that I can get back safely) places to see. I am delighted and honoured to say that the College aims to confer on me an Honorary Fellowship, so there will be plenty of excuses to come back. One of the great things about Homerton is that we have change, flexibility and aspiration in our DNA. The College is, in the best sense, a work still in progress, and I look forward to seeing the next chapters as they unfold. The diary is already filling, however. So let’s say that, at the very least, I will return every September 31st ….

July 2021