Professor Sir David Greenaway - share your memories

David interviewed me for my Chair, including a short one-to-one chat and then chairing the panel interview. I probably interacted with him for 90 minutes in total that day and then had a short phone cal, when he offered me the position. After that, nothing more. Several months later I was in Lakeside on a Sunday afternoon and he was there with his wife, looking at the art exhibition. Without the slightest hesitation he greeted me with "good afternoon, Stuart"! I think this says it all about his ability to communicate. I have watched him since at many graduations and he is a natural. A fantastic ambassador and leader.

Dear David

I will miss you, both professionally and personally. Professionally I have learnt an enormous amount from you in terms of judgement, meeting management, people management, but most of all how to lead an organisation by example. Not just talking the talk but walking the walk.....or in your case cycling the cycle !

Personally, you have always made me feel really listened to and valued - treated in an honest and genuine way. Thank you. I will miss you hugely.

Yours

John

David,

It has always been truly impressive how you manage to meet and engage with so many people, remembering their names and being genuinely interested in what they've got to say. Thank you.

I wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement in which you can spend many hours of quality time with family and friends who have had to share you with your University duties for so long.

Kerry

Always greeted with a smile and a nod, with a knack of being personable with everyone. Particularly remembering with a smile, practicing our bowing and curtseying in the corridor of Trent building when we realise that we were both getting an award from the Queen.

Enjoy your retirement.

It's been a pleasure having you as our VC - many thanks for the years of service that you have given to the University. Best wishes for a long and leisurely retirement.

It has been an honor to have known you. I wish you a very happy and healthy retirement.

Professor Greenaway became Head of Economics Department during my second year studying this subject. His lecturing and teaching, particularly in the area of international development, inspired me to my own career as a professional economist.

Security Services have benefitted from your leadership and direction in many ways and through some difficult times. It has been a pleasure working with you, formally and informally, knowing that you have been behind us and supportive of our efforts, as you have with all the operational support services functions. On a personal note thank you for being so approachable and for the recognition and reward that has been so gratefully received. Wishing you and your family all the very best in retirement. Gary

I have enjoyed listening to the many addresses given by David at the Graduation ceremonies, and also the advice he has given to our graduands: "Always give more than you take, that way you will always be adding value". The sincerity in the delivery of this statement was always so powerful, it will be my lasting memory of David. What great life advice, and what a great legacy David has himself added here at Nottingham.

Dear David

It's been a great privilege knowing you over so many years and wanted to thank you for your advice, support and friendship, particularly during my recent tenure as Associate PVC. I was absolutely delighted to see you at my own modest retirement party last year and for that I remain grateful. You've done so much for this university and more generally for higher education and for that you will, I am sure, be greatly missed by all. I very much hope that we will continue to see each other from time to time.

David, if I had to choose one characteristic from the very many you have given us it would be that you never, ever, forgot that education can have a profound impact on the lives of young people, no matter their own circumstances or backgrounds. And that no matter how little material assets they or their families had, they should be given the opportunity to grow their individual talents according to their ability. You really practiced that worthy approach for the University of "it's not where you start but where you finish" that should count.

David Greenaway- What a man! Incredibly humble and caring individual who always took the time to enjoy the company of students. I was lucky enough to share many good memories (and pale ales) with him but the best has to be the Coast to Coast Life Cycle in 2017. With him giving it large on the bus there saying hes always first to finish, he was up against it when the SU Officer Team of 2015/16 turned up. After 2 and a half days Elliott and I were feeling good and level pegging with around 25 km to go. In the Sir David vs Goliath battle of youth vs experience youth thought we had it in the bag, taking the lead and not looking back as David and his team were overtaken. However, experience always seems to find a way and as we flew into the final straight ready to celebrate an epic victory we are greeted by the smug smile of David and the self declared "A Team" who had already finished and had a pint to celebrate. Experience always finds a way- the shortcut on "out of bounds" the A roads. Well played Sir 👏

I would like to say thank you David for the support that you gave to the University's adult and continuing education work, through the good times and the not so good. You allowed us the space to make key decisions ourselves but then provided rock solid backing for these decisions. I'll never forget you standing by my side as we opened the private view of the exhibition that marked the closure of the UAEC on Shakespeare Street. I will also never forget your contribution to our first 'NOOC' (a webinar interview in which you gave feedback to students from all 3 campuses who had critiqued the University's sustainability strategy). Your commitment and interest has been a catalyst for so many of the initiatives I have been involved in.

Thank you for everything!

Dear David,

With very best wishes for the future. Really appreciated your support and inspiration over the years. Of course I would not be as cycling fit if you had not set the example of riding all those miles each year - so thank you for organising those wonderful rides and setting the goals that all who took part achieved.

The ethos and vision of an organisation is set by its leader. Being able to share in the ethos and vision engenders commitment in the members of the University, students and staff alike. Personally, I have a great deal to thank you for in the way that you have led the University and made it a good place to work and study.

I was always amazed that David knew my name and greeted me as such. A really special skill that made people in the university feel valued. All the very best for your retirement David we will miss you.

It has been such an honour to serve on your watch, David. I have just viewed your wonderful video on You Tube again - I am always moved by your extraordinary life story, but also by your authenticity and humanity. Anyone who has not seen this this should watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vni9keS3C1c

I want to thank you especially for your support for my little charity, Dream Big Ghana - and for the honour of receiving the Vice Chancellor's award for this work. I have so many memories of meeting you over the years, and have always valued the 'personal touch' that others describe above. I wish you a long, healthy and happy retirement.

Dear David,

I have always admired the variety and depth of your interests and involvement, but your example of hands-on participation and encouragement in the Nottingham Life Cycle has been a particular highlight. I wish you a long, happy, healthy and very busy "retirement".

Fiona

Dear David

Thank you for the warmth that you have brought to your leadership of this significant multi cultural institution. The Chaplains from all faiths have always valued your listening ear and your desire for strong links with with the local communities and international faith communities which we represent. We have also immensely valued your support as our multi faith team have become a stronger part of the welfare system. Your cycle rides for charity, and the bursaries you are supporting for widening participation are also close to our heart, and we thank you for that continuing legacy.

David - I'm sure that you won't remember me but I just wanted to say thank you and wish you all the very best for a very happy, healthy and long retirement. You interviewed me for my job in October 1997 and this opened the doors to almost 20 years (so far) of exciting opportunities and a career working for the University of Nottingham which I would never previously imagined embarking on. You have been an incredible ambassador for the University yet always in touch with those at the coal face - a truly inspirational leader who will be difficult to follow.

If there is one man who can bring charisma, energy and sheer brilliance to a room, it's you young man. From undergraduate student to SU Officer, Senate meetings to Life Cycles, it's been nothing short of a pleasure admiring your leadership, passion and compassion time and time again David. Thank you for teaching me far more than you'll have realised, and, for that matter, far more than I'd have ever realised at the time. Wishing you a sincerely enjoyable, long, happy and very well-deserved retirement. Bring on LC8. See you there; don't be a stranger. Best, Elliott

While living in New York City I attended three Alumni Receptions. I had the pleasure of meeting Prof. David Greenaway there and exchanged great Nottingham memories as well invitation to participate at Life Cycle 4.

All the best David, thanks for the inspiring attitude and good luck on your next projects!

Alan (Mexican-Scottish Alumni)

“What a firm handshake!” That was my first taught the first time I was introduced to Sir David during my first year working at Uni. The following year onwards I had the opportunity to work closely with him over various University events and I’ve always admired how sharp he is in every meeting - casual or official and he’s always very thoughtful, it clearly shows in how fondly he remembers all his staff and students. Probably one of the most no-fuss boss I’ve ever had worked with and he has given me a lot to aspire to. I am so pleased that he will now have time to sit back and just enjoy life although knowing him for quite some time now - he will continue being active in everything he endeavours! Wishing you a very happy retirement David, and may you enjoy your new adventures ahead.