Pictorial: SALDRU Bids Farewell to Francis Wilson

30 Apr 2018
30 Apr 2018

After more than 40 years of service, SALDRU’s founding director, Prof. Francis Wilson, is leaving our research unit to enter retirement. Francis has been a dynamic force in SALDRU whose research exemplifies courage and excellence. He will be sorely missed by us all.

SALDRU hosted a cocktail party to bid farewell to Francis. It was a wonderful occasion attended by many colleagues who paid tribute to him.

We’re pleased to share some photographs and tweets from the event with you. The photographs have been graciously supplied by UCT’s photographer, Robyn Walker.

SALDRU’s founding director, Prof. Francis Wilson, who is headed for retirement after more than four decades at our research unit, delivers a farewell speech at a cocktail party hosted in his honour.
SALDRU’s founding director, Prof. Francis Wilson, who is headed for retirement after more than four decades at our research unit, delivers a farewell speech at a cocktail party hosted in his honour.
SALDRU’s director, Prof. Murray Leibbrandt, was one of many colleagues who paid tribute to Prof. Wilson at his farewell party.
SALDRU’s director, Prof. Murray Leibbrandt, was one of many colleagues who paid tribute to Prof. Wilson at his farewell party.
Prof. Wilson with Prof. Nicoli Natrass (left) and Helen Swingler (right) of UCT News.
Prof. Wilson with Prof. Nicoli Natrass (left) and Helen Swingler (right) of UCT News.
There was a wonderful turnout of colleagues, friends and family, including Prof. Wilson’s wife, Lindy Wilson, who attended the function.
There was a wonderful turnout of colleagues, friends and family, including Prof. Wilson’s wife, Lindy Wilson, who attended the function.
Guests were treated to a delicious spread of canapés.
Guests were treated to a delicious spread of canapés.

 

 

So honoured to have met the founder of @SALDRU1 today, Prof Francis Wilson! A truly inspiring & humble trail blazer. Very proud to be part of such a dynamic research unit & under the leadership of another trail blazer Prof @MurrayLeibbrand #ProudSaldrupian #NIDS_SA

— Samantha Richmond (@SRichmond_SA) April 23, 2018