After 21 years at Lincoln, Carmella Elan-Gaston is moving onto new adventures! Carmella's role in the College Office has provided invaluable support for hundreds, if not thousands, of students. Whether that was being the friendly face that first welcomed them to Lincoln, or helping them through examination provisions, Carmella's warmth and care has always been at the heart of her work and she has been a fabulous asset to the College. Carmella's work with the community of Fellows over the years is also greatly appreciated, and her contribution to all avenues of College life will leave a lasting impression.

Upon the last 21 years, Carmella reflected:

Goodness, where to begin?  21 years at Lincoln has been a journey full of memorable experiences and stories.  I remember the feeling of walking through the doors for the first time, it was August, the bees were humming in the Virginia creeper and I thought: this is it.  I am going to love it here, even though I will have to learn quickly the arcane way of life that is Oxford and Lincoln.  And I do love this place.

Over the years, I have met and worked with some extraordinary people.  I have had special relationships with many, even though of course quite a few have now left.

In 2003 I started my job at Lincoln as the Fellows Secretary.  And I am sure that the Fellows are sorry that they do not have a Secretary anymore.  It was an incredible time.  I worked Sir Maurice, sending his letters to his former student President Clinton.  I also had the pleasure of working with Nigel Wilson.  When I first met him, I asked him how I should address him.  He said, ‘Call me Wilson’.  It’s Nigel now, right?

Speaking of President Clinton, I should say that the greatest President that I had the pleasure to meet was President Bartlett, when Martin Sheen of the West Wing came to speak at the Union.

I would also like to pay tribute to those extraordinary people at Lincoln who are no longer with us, such as Paul Langford, Richard Bird, David Goldie and Tim Knowles.

Out of the many Fellows that I have worked with, I would like especially to mention David Vaux, who was so kind and supportive when I lost my brother and, soon after, my mother.

I have enjoyed many pleasant and warm conversations over the years with Fellows past and present: Nick Jelley, Simon Gardner, Susan Brigden, Stephen Gil, Maria Stamatopoulou, Peter McCullough, Perry Gauci, Tim Michael, Stefan Enchelmaier, Paul Stavrinou, Bert Smith, to name but a few.

Special thanks to my three senior Tutors: Anne-Marie, Louise and Lydia.

I have also been fortunate in the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Rectors of Lincoln during the last twenty years.

The greatest reward of my many years at Lincoln has been the time spent with generations of exceptional postgraduate students from all of the world.  It was very important to me to assist them with their studies and to support through them through their journey.

I have particularly enjoyed my work with the MCR and to have had a small part in its success over the years.  Welcoming students to the college, holding their hands as they navigate Oxford was very special to me.  I always considered that my work as Graduate Officer had a pastoral duty.

It is of course the people of this place in all the various departments who keep Lincoln going (and you know who you are):  The lovely ladies in Accounts, Bursary, Development Office, Domestic Bursary, the Archives and the Library.  Thank you to the Buttery, Kitchen, Porters, Garden and Maintenance crew, and of course to my colleagues in the College Office.  Coming to work each day it was always cheerful.  Thank you for your support and for so much laughter over the years.

A special mention must be made of Mike White, without whom this place would simply collapse.

And so, it is with love to Lincoln and its community, that I now take my leave.

We're sure many in the College community will join us in raising a metaphorical glass to Carmella and wishing her all the best in whatever she does next!