Farewell to our Master Catherine Arnold OBE
2024-09-30
“It’s hard to know what to say after such an extraordinary and full five years at St Edmund’s College. The most obvious and important is to say thank you: for the honour of having been elected as an Honorary Fellow of this College, for the truly beautiful gifts and memory book, and to all who have helped and supported me over the last five years. Arriving just in time for a global pandemic, my tenure has been one in which the College has faced its share of challenges. That St Edmund’s has come through them not only surviving but positively thriving is a testimony to the strength of this community, its ethos, and the commitment of all parts of our College – fellows, staff, students, and alumni – to St Edmund’s success.
As our Vision states: ‘We form global thinkers and leaders who bridge disciplines and cultures to solve humanity’s challenges. St Edmund’s builds a better future by developing, supporting and connecting a community of global talent, within the University of Cambridge, inspired to learn from difference and united in a commitment to improve the future for individuals, societies and the world.’ I hope that continues to inspire all of you as much as it has me.”
The College celebrated Catherine with a series of events which included the annual alumni weekend and a Farewell Event with Fellows and Senior Members. It was at this event that the official portrait of Catherine by Australian artist Megan Roodenrys was unveiled. Megan said of the painting: