Director of Colchester’s St Helena Hospice Rosy Stamp is to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the University of Essex at the Annual Meeting of the University’s Court on Thursday 19 April.

She was a member of the University’s governing body Council from 2005 until 2011, and has also been heavily involved in the local community, both as director of St Helena Hospice for the last ten years and as a magistrate for North East Essex since 1989. She is also a former Principal of the Ryes School in Sudbury for children with special needs.

She will receive a certificate marking her fellowship from the University’s Chancellor Lord Phillips.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “I am delighted that the University is awarding an Honorary Fellowship to Rosy Stamp in recognition of her very substantial contribution to the life and work of the University.

“Rosy's ability to inspire through her commitment and vision is apparent in all she does. Over the past decade Rosy has helped St Helena Hospice to develop and expand its outstanding work, having previously made a real difference to the lives of young people as Principal of Ryes School in Sudbury.

“The experience and insight she brought to the work of the University’s Council was invaluable and we have benefited greatly from her advice and support.”

The University began awarding honorary fellowships at the Annual Meeting of Court in 2002 as a way of cementing links with people who have played a notable part in the life of the University.

The University’s Court provides a public forum for the official receipt of the University’s Annual Review and Financial Statements alongside a report by the Vice-Chancellor on the work of the University over the past year. This year there will also be presentations on improving student employability; internships and the redevelopment of Wivenhoe House and the establishment of the Edge Hotel School; and Court members will also hear from Professor Chris Cooper and Dr Dominic Micklewright, from the School of Biological Sciences, about how their research on cell biology and sporting psychology could help Olympic athletes improve their performances.

East 15 Acting School students will be performing throughout the afternoon.

Members of Court play an important role in the life of the University and are appointed on the basis of their interests, expertise or connection with the University and are representative of the local and regional community. One of the aims of Court is to encourage those living in the surrounding area to take an interest in the University and to allow them to comment on its work.