The Professors Who Shaped Us (Part Two)

Sometimes it just takes one person to believe in you. Whether they ignited your love of a subject, or helped you through a tough time, the University of York is full of these people. People whose kindness, inspiration and knowledge stays with us after graduating.

We asked you for the professors that left an impact on your life. Here’s what you had to say:

Mariana López, School of Arts and Creative Technologies

She’s been a true inspiration since day one. I came in 2017 for my MSc in Theatre, Film and Television, where she was one of my lecturers, and I ended up staying in York to pursue a PhD supervised by Prof López. Not only is she brilliant in the fields of immersive sound design and accessibility, but she is one of the kindest, and most dedicated humans I’ve ever met. Witnessing a Latin American woman succeeding and leading positive changes for a fairer community in a white male dominated industry has been incredibly empowering. – Clau

Laurie Taylor, Sociology

One must not forget the memorable sociology lectures from Laurie Taylor when I was at York, 1973-76. He was inspirational and gave me a lifelong interest in the subject. – Barry Crocker BA Hons Econ

Andrew Ward, Philosophy

Andrew Ward’s passion for his subject is unmatched! He hooked me at the open day, was my reason for choosing York, and I knew I’d be signing up for any modules he was teaching. He made everything he taught so interesting, adding humour too (sometimes lost in philosophy!). I thoroughly enjoyed his modules and got some of my best marks in them! – Becky

Jim Matthew, Physics

Lectures from Prof Peter Main, Dr Richard Keesing and Dr Derek Jacobs were the highlight of many a week in the early 2000s physics department. However, I think the one to top them all was the late Prof Jim Matthew with his inimitable style, good humour, passion for the subject and genuine care for his students. On the threshold of wisdom! – James

Jonathan Dollimore, English

As an MA student, I was fortunate to have Mr. Dollimore as my tutor, the most interesting tutor I have had during my studies.He was brilliant at delivering all these interesting lectures on re reading literature; challenging established “truths”, voicing those who traditionally had no voice and were marginalised, helping us perceive what lied beyond the obvious and providing us with new perspectives. Personally,I feel that Mr. Dollimore was a modern day Renaissance Wit who would dare to state the Truth, no matter how inconvenient it would be, an impressive mind indeed. The year was 1998-1999. – Michael

Jane Grenville, Archaeology

I think hardly a day has gone by in the 31 years I’ve worked in Archaeology and Heritage, that I haven’t thought of Jane Grenville – she gave me the best start I could imagine. She’s told me that the MA in the Archaeology of Buildings has changed a lot since my day, and quite right. Nevertheless, without her inspiration and help, I would never have travelled this road. – Jeremy

Peter French, Linguistics

Professor Peter French has been supportive and an inspiration for many graduate students. As an international PhD student under his supervision, I learned how to be a good researcher. His support and encouragement continues after the degree. He is a real mentor. And he made a great contribution to the field of forensic linguistics. – Gabriela

Bill Forsyth and Rod Hills, Economics

I was a mature undergraduate from 1987 to 1990. I think Bill was fairly new to the department when I was there? He was a great teacher, especially in his seminars. He expected high standards from his students but was always there to support you if you were struggling! His area of expertise was Russian economic history. Rod Hills was a real character! Not only a lecturer in the department of Economic and Related Studies but also the Labour leader of York City Council. He was an admissions tutor and interviewed me for entry onto the degree. I was a mature student with no A levels or O levels, just a one year Access course behind me from Fircroft College in Birmingham! We hardly talked about education as he seemed more interested in my personality and character. I really liked Rod as he was not only a good teacher but very down to earth. Good sense of humour too! – Bernard

David Waddington, Bruce Gilbert, David Goodall, Roger Mawby, John Lindsay-Smith and Chemistry Porter

Dave Waddington was an exceptional Chemist AND an exceptional teacher. He interviewed me for place at York way back in 1971. I returned to school to tell my friends that the chap who wrote our Organic Chemistry textbook had interviewed me! But I would also pay tribute to many others; like Bruce Gilbert, David Goodall, Roger Mawby and John Lindsay-Smith – who always lectured with his close friend – the parrot on his shoulder. I’d also want to give much praise to the most wonderful porter in the Chemistry block whose name, in my advanced years I struggle to recall. He was so kind and helpful. Really good for our mental health. I too became a teacher and loved bringing my admiring students to visit York. – Wendy, Chemistry with Education 1972 – 1975

Gwyn Williams, History

Gwyn Williams was the most inspiring teacher I have ever had. His special US history seminar 1968 ‘Democracy, and the making of the American People’ was where, thanks to him, I found a voice, and my place in the world. I will never, ever forget him and my fellow participants. I learnt from Gwyn – how to be a historian – do research – write- with joy and the spirit of adventure and truth telling – to work with others on projects – to believe in myself- and to show how history and politics can intertwine. – Elizabeth, History and Education BA, 1966-9

Thank you to all of our alumni who contributed. If there’s someone at York who you’d like to pay tribute to, why not let us know in the comments? We may end up posting a part three!