Retirement of Mrs Heather Ferguson

After 40 years’ continuous service to the University of Dundee, Mrs Heather Ferguson has decided to call time and retire from her post of Department Secretary at UDOTS, where she has been based for the past 10 years.

A leaving party was held at the TORT Centre, with her family in attendance. University and NHS staff both wished Heather a fond goodbye … or Adios rather, as we hope to see her whenever she gets the chance to visit. Linda Johnston and Sheila MacDonald gave a short speech of thanks to Heather, who herself said a few words, thanking all present. UDOTS and TORT staff presented Heather with a necklace and ear-ring set, a £50 gift voucher and a goody hamper of retirement necessities, including slippers, muscle rub, a selection of puzzling magazines and some mint imperials! Heather also now has more Prosecco than she knows what to do with!

Linda Johnston and Sheila MacDonald, of UDOTS, presenting Heather with her gifts.

Heather stated:

“Through my working life there has been a sort of running gag in that Dundee Commercial College is now a ruin that nobody knows what to do with; Maryfield Hospital is demolished; DRI demolished; Elliott Road, the precursor to the Westgate Health Centre base for University General Practice, sold off; Ray and I had lived in Hazelhead Court in Ardler between 1976 and 1979 and all the high-rise flats are now demolished. I’m hoping that Ninewells is bucking the trend with construction rather than destruction and I think UDOTS under the Directorship of Mr Arpit Jariwala will flourish.

So what’s next? Spending more time with my three grandchildren, trying to keep my old Dad, aged 92, in line and hopefully having a bit more leisure time for travelling. My husband, Ray has been retired for four years, so I think he’s had enough time on his own!

Thank you all, I’ve had a great time and have made many wonderful friends."

Heather with husband, Ray.

Mr Arpit Jariwala, Director of UDOTS and pictured top right with Heather, stated:

“We’re all sad to see Heather leave us at UDOTS but wish her well for her retirement when she can enjoy her twin pleasures of her family and holidays abroad. Heather has vast experience of numerous aspects of university life and has contributed immensely to the running of many departments over the years. I’d like to personally thank Heather for her service and I speak for all the staff when I say that her skills and personality will be sorely missed. We wish you a long, healthy and happy retirement with your husband Ray!”

Heather joined the university from the NHS in 1979. Originally in General Practice she moved to Dundee Royal Infirmary to assist the Departments of Urology in and Neurosurgery in 1983 under Mr Patrick Weaver and Mr Keith Baxby before moving to Ninewells Medical School to join the Faculty/College Office in 1996 under Professors Denis McDevitt, David Levison, Brian Burchill and Irene Leigh. She subsequently moved to the UDOTS, based at the TORT Centre in 2010, under Professor Rami Abboud and more recently, Mr Arpit Jariwala.

Heather was recently honoured for her 40 years’ service at a long service awards event held at the Apex Hotel, Dundee, on the 21st November, 2019. MORE HERE >>>