May 17 2012 5:30PM
A former history student, Sally Williams, who sadly passed away in October 2010, has bequeathed a significant legacy fund to the History Department at UCS which will be used to enhance the experience of current students.
Sally, who began her association with UCS as a part-time student in 2007, had a professional background in the law and continued to work as a Law Costs Consultant until switching to full-time attendance on the BA (Hons) History course in 2009. Shortly after this Sally was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In response she threw herself energetically into her passions and worked tirelessly to complete her degree. Sally’s posthumous award was presented by UCS Provost Professor Mike Saks to her friend and fellow History graduate Heidi Hughes at the Graduation Ceremony in November last year.
In addition to her passion for history Sally was marked by love of literature and was a great patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of a wide range of charities and an active member of the Rotary Club.
In accepting the legacy, UCS History lecturer Dr Harvey Osborne| said: “This is a particularly special gift because Sally was one of us and the teaching team became very close to her during her last years with UCS. She was a kind, intelligent and immensely brave lady and we still miss her very much. This example of her generosity is in some ways typical of the way that she lived her life, supporting others, her fellow students in particular. Sally was also a great deal of fun and she never lost her sense of humour even during the toughest times.”
Sally’s contribution will be acknowledged for perpetuity in the form of an annual prize award.