Posted by Dr Serena Coetzee on 26 Jun 2009, 12:08 (last modified on 29 Jun 2009, 23:12)

The department organized a farewell lunch for Prof Bishop on 12 June. Prof Kourie, who has known her since the early 1970s when they were still students, related many a memorable incident from the past. He highlighted Judith's passion for her work, her integrity as an academic and her generosity towards students and colleagues. Prof Engelbrecht, acting HOD, presented Prof Bishop with a UP long service award and thanked her for her contribution to the department.

In her farewell speech Prof Bishop said she was proud to have taught two thirds of the current staff up to Honours level, thus leaving a huge investment and legacy behind. Among her initiatives in the department over the years are 15 Java Courses, teaching over 500 people; the Interface conferences which were the first time that teachers and lecturers came together in SA; the five IFIP Summer Schools – the first in 1993 in the Kruger Park; all the SACLAs and SAICSITs; the Linux server that the first Techteam set up; and the formal tutorial sessions for first years. Her complete farewell speech can be found in one of the attachments.

On 18 June, Judith invited friends and supporters over the years to a personal Farewell Breakfast. The attached presentation shows messages and photos from friends presented to her at the breakfast.

Judith, you will be missed here at the department. All the best for the journey ahead!