John Roome

Dear Joan,

I still remember, quite vividly, the first time I met you. It was at a senate meeting. I thought to myself; who is this intense, crazy woman? Over the years since then I have got to know you and have discovered that I was right. You are one of the most intense people I know. And you are crazy! But crazy in the best possible way. Crazy, not in the sense of being insane, but in the sense of being sane to a crazy degree. If that makes any sense? I have also learnt that you are one of the most dedicated educators I have ever had the privilege to work with.

Many of us recognise the important contribution you have made by nurturing the research culture at DUT. Your knowledge, experience, and most of all enthusiasm, has been an inspiration to many. I know because I have heard it from so many colleagues, and I have witnessed it myself.

Working alongside of you as a co-supervisor has been such a wonderful journey. I have learnt so much from you and you have helped me grow both as a supervisor and as a researcher. I feel honoured to have my name next to yours on a few Masters dissertations. When you told me, “You and I make a fine team”, you cannot believe how good that felt.

Thank you Joan, for all that you have done for teaching, learning, research, and promoting a spirit of Ubuntu at DUT. As you said to me once, it is the exceptional people who work at an institution that make it worth staying there. (Or words to that effect.) You are definitely one of those people.

Following Jack Whitehead’s example,

With LOVE,

 John (Roome).