Dear colleagues,
As you all know, today is officially Jean Levy’s last day as Administrative Assistant of the History Department. I expressed the Department’s deepest and heartfelt thanks to Jean at the splendid dinner in her honour at Le Montmartre last Wednesday, but for those who were not able to be present on that memorable occasion, I’d like to reiterate just how much the Department is in her debt for her twenty-six (yes, 26) years of unstintingly excellent work for us. She has been a true professional and the real backbone of the Department over many years. I know I speak for all seven Chairs (Paul Lovejoy, Richard Hoffmann, Nick Rogers, Adrian Shubert, Marlene Shore, Libby Cohen and myself) and two Acting / Interim Chairs (Russ Chace and Bob Wakabayashi) who worked with her over the years in expressing our gratitude for the wonderful advice and support she has so generously provided.
Jean with seven of the Chairs who worked with her. Front row, left to right: Jonathan Edmondson, Jean Levy, Bob Wakabayashi, Marlene Shore. Back row, left to right: Adrian Shubert, Nick Rogers, Richard Hoffmann, Libby Cohen
And I know that all members of the Department truly appreciate the wonderful things that Jean has done for us all over more than a quarter of a century. She more than anyone reserves a really enjoyable and fruitful retirement. Jean, thank you for everything you have done for History at York. You will be much missed.
I am also extremely pleased to announce that today Lisa Hoffmann has been officially confirmed as the next Administrative Assistant of the Department with effect from next Monday (June 6). I’m thrilled that someone with such great experience and knowledge of the university and of the Department has accepted this very important position. It will be a real pleasure to work with you, Lisa, in your new role and I’m sure everyone in the Department will join me in welcoming Lisa to her new position. We have already begun the process for finding her replacement as Graduate Programme Assistant, and we’ll keep you posted on developments here. In the interim, Lisa will be liaising closely with Daniela to ensure that the needs of the GPH are met.
With all best wishes,
Jonathan