Newcastle University

The event was hosted at the offices of Simmons and Simmons in central London. Graduates were welcomed by fellow alumnus Nick Benwell, a Partner at Simmons and Simmons, and were then updated on news from the School by current Deputy Head, Dr Jonathan Galloway. Professor Joanna Gray then gave a moving tribute to Ashley and thanked him on behalf of those who have been taught by him before the man himself took the stage to say a few words.

Ashley has worked at the University for forty years, including nine as Head of School. He was also the founding director of the School of Business Management, now the Business School. His contribution to the Law School has been consistent and he is a much-loved member of the faculty. At the event on 9th May, tributes were read out from just a few of the many former students who have been taught by Ashley over the years and referred to him as ‘engaging and charismatic’ and ‘a real inspiration’. Current Head of School, Professor Chris Rodgers, says ‘Ashley will be greatly missed by everyone in Newcastle Law School, and I know he is valued by those he taught. We were pleased to have the opportunity to recognise Ashley’s contribution at the recent alumni event, and we hope that alumni will join us in Newcastle in September to say another goodbye to Ashley’.

There will be a retirement party for Ashley in King’s Hall at Newcastle University on 18th September. More information about this will be sent to all Law School graduates in July.

More photographs of the event in London on 9th May can be found on our NUGrad photo gallery.