40 years a psychologist
Alan Wilkes retired after almost 40 years in the psychology department. Colleagues held a festschrift in January to mark his enormous contribution to research in the areas of social cognition, psycholinguistics and memory. Speakers included staff in the psychology department and Professor Philip Smith from the University of Reading, Professor Peter Lloyd from the University of Manchester and Professor Rick Hanley from the University of Essex. Alan also gave a research seminar last term to mark his retirement and was presented with a 'perceptual portrait' of himself designed by Nick Wade.
Ten retire
Ten members of staff are retiring from the division of electronic engineering and physics. Principal Sir Alan Langlands presented them with gifts from the university at a retiral lunch in the Hilton hotel at the end of last term.
Jim Anderson, Peter Baylis, Jim Cairns, Arthur Cracknell, John Low, Brian Makin, Finlay Philip, Bruce Ramsay, Peter Spencer and Brian Storey have all served between fourteen and thirty years teaching young aspiring engineers. Each has been engaged in research, catapulting the University of Dundee to discoveries and successful spin out companies over the years. All ten men have either retired over the last couple of years or are scheduled to retire this year.
Prof McDevitt bids farewell
Professor Denis McDevitt retired as professor of clinical pharmacology last term. He came to Dundee in 1983 from Belfast and in his 19 years, oversaw a considerable expansion in the department. Denis’ main research interests were in pharmacoepidemiology, where he expanded the medicines monitoring unit (MEMO), and in cardiovascular/respiratory therapeutics. He served as dean of the faculty of medicine when a wholly revised undergraduate curriculum was being developed and skillfully raised the finances necessary for the impressive Ian Low centre at Ninewells and the clinical skills centre, which have both made a big impact on medical student life. Latterly he served on the General Medical Council for several years and is continuing as GMC treasurer after his retiral.
To mark his retirement, the department of clinical pharmacology made a presentation to him, hosted a special dinner and held a festschrift which was attended by many friends and colleagues.
Music to her ears
Christine Mollison, executive officer in the personnel department and accomplished violinist with the Tayside Symphony Orchestra retired after 29 years of service to the university. She started work as a clerical assistant in the secretary’s office in 1973. Christine said; "I am happy to retire. I’ve been here for a long time and I’m looking forward to some free time. I will miss my friends at work, but am anticipating new ventures and a new chapter in my life."