Roger
PolandR
oger Poland retired at the
end of the Summer term
having taught at King's for
36 years. In that time, he
ran the biology department,
and he also ran Neate's
house for 16 years and one term - a record in
modern times. He ran the OA Club for 16
years, and as well as coaching Under 14 and
Junior Colts rugby, he ran the swimming club
for 33 years.
The hallmark of Roger's career was perhaps his
amazing enthusiasm and inventiveness. He
was the first to set up the Marines section at
King's, and was the first to establish the King's
College Community Service project that now
holds a central place in our programme of
Monday afternoon activities. He pioneered
research expeditions around the world, and
made King's a major player in loggerhead turtle
conservation, and his tireless work in this field
led to his PhD.
He was the first to design and run a King's
website, and he set up the science garden with
a Royal Society grant. He established the
King's Sustainability Strategy, and was a
leading supporter of outreach initiatives in local
primary schools. By any account this is a
remarkable impact on a school.
The one great example he sets us all is the way
in which he shows us the enormous fun of
being a teacher - that brilliant Peter Pan ability
to avoid growing up, and it is his boyish
enthusiasm for his subject that made such an
indelible impression on all with whom he came
into contact.
He inspired generations of pupils. His
contribution to King's has been immeasurable.
We wish him and his wife Elisabeth the very
best of luck with all the exciting projects that
he has lined up for his retirement, and look
forward to seeing them both back at King's as
often as possible.
Moving
on
8
Aluredian