Life @ EA

On Monday 4 October, at the Edinburgh Academical Club’s Annual General Meeting, we were proud to present two new awards to Academicals for their work and commitment to the Club. The two awards, which have come about after a suggestion from our 2020/21 Alumni Relations Ephor Harry O’Connor (EA 2013-21), are the Academical of the Year Award and the Bruce Stenhouse Award.

The Academical of the Year Award is presented to an Academical who has gone above and beyond in the academic year to help either the Club or the community with their work and commitment. This year, for the first time, The Academical of the Year Award was awarded to Charles Runcie (EA 1966-76) who has kept communications alive this year throughout lockdown, both with the London branch and with his series of online interviews.

The Bruce Stenhouse Award, is named after a legendary Academical who was President of the EAC in 1984, Secretary for the Club from 1946-65, and was a huge part of the success of the Club. This prize is awarded to Academicals who have provided incredible service to the School and the Club for many years. The first recipients of this prize went to Rob Cowie (EA Staff 1963-2000), Alan Fyfe (EA 1957-69; EA Staff 2006-12) and Andrew McMillan (EA 1960-70). All three recipients hold a wealth of knowledge of the School and are often on hand to solve many a School question. They are also all heavily involved in the publication of The Academical, whether that be writing articles, helping with obituaries and being crucial parts of the proof-reading stage. Andrew is also our Honorary Archivist, who has transformed the School’s archives in this role. He has created a Digital Archive available for all to access, researches and prepares archive displays for reunions, and ensures the history of the School lives on.

We were delighted to welcome them all to the AGM, with Charles travelling from London, and present them with their prizes.

Thank you to all for your continued support and commitment to the School and the Club!