The University has been saddened to learn of the death of Donna Barnes, a member of the Central Student Records Team, following a long battle with illness. Donna joined the University in 1988 and worked in a number of roles within the Academic Office during the subsequent 26 years. This included acting as Ken Sloan’s Secretary during his time in the Academic Office.

Andrew Higgins, Director of the Academic Office said,

Donna was a genuine inspiration to those colleagues who had the pleasure of working with her, whether that was in her immediate team, or across the wider University. Although she had been battling cancer for a number of years, Donna never let this fact define her. Instead she will be remembered as a dedicated and professional colleague who above all liked to have fun. Whilst the rest of us might have moaned about life’s petty issues, Donna faced her illness with amazing dignity and courage, never complaining, or letting it influence the quality of her work. As recently as June she badgered team members to undertake a local ‘Mud Run’ for charity, giving herself an opportunity to engage in some mischievousness antics and serious mud-throwing. Her sense of fun and human spark will be sorely missed, but we all feel a little better for having known Donna."

The funeral will be held on Thursday 24 September 2015 in the Charter Chapel at Canley Crematorium and members of the University are welcome to attend. Whilst the service is due to start at 1.45pm, the family would like everyone to be seated before they arrive, so people intending to go should arrive by 1.30pm, so that they are able to enter the chapel as soon as possible. The family have indicated that there is no formal dress code and that people wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

The family have also asked that flowers be limited to family members only. However, if anyone wants to make a donation instead, this will be in aid of MacMillan Nurses, and can be made via A Pargetter & Son Funeral Directors.

The Student Records Team are creating a 'Book of Memories' for staff to share their thoughts and memories of working with Donna. The book, together with a donation box, will be located with the Student Records Team (first floor of University House) and available for signature from Wednesday 23 September. The book and donations to the MacMillan charity will be passed to Donna's family at a later date, once everyone who wishes to record their thoughts has signed the book.

If you have any questions, please contact Vicky Hodgkins on 23760.