College News

The College is sad to announce that our Life Fellow Professor Christopher Burgoyne died suddenly on 2 January in Addenbrookes. A book of condolence will be available in the Chapel. If you can't sign the book in person, you can leave a message of remembrance online, to be included with the physical book.

To generations of Engineers at Emma, Chris was very much a father-figure combining compassion with clearly expressed expectations. Talking to any engineering student in the last 30 years, Chris was central to all aspects of their Cambridge experience. His particular research interest was concrete structures, an area in which he was an acknowledged expert.  Anyone who interacted with Chris was instantly aware of his love of concrete in all its forms, ranging from Coventry Cathedral to Hammersmith Flyover. This structural expertise was also directly applied within College to the awarding-winning Queen’s Building, and the recent development of Young’s Court. 

He joined Emmanuel College in 1989 as an Official Fellow and College Lecturer in Engineering. He was the long-time Director of Studies in Engineering. His knowledge and direct advice made him a valuable member of College Council and many other committees. Though in his own words no sportsman, Chris was involved in both the CU Swimming and Water Polo Club, and also the CU Life-Saving Club. 

He will be deeply missed and long remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Vanessa, and family as they come to terms with his unexpected death.

• Further information & registration for the funeral service

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