In remembrance of our former colleague Elizabeth Harper

We were deeply saddened to learn of Elizabeth Harper’s death last year. Alumni and staff have taken time to think about Elizabeth’s life and legacy and felt strongly that we wanted to recognise publicly Elizabeth’s contribution to ERMC and the learning and development of our students.

Elizabeth worked as Director of Studies and Vice Principal of ERMC for five years. This was a challenging time for Elizabeth personally as she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent treatment. Throughout that time she continued to work enormously hard, dedicated to her work as a teacher and academic. Students remember her very fondly for her passion, enthusiasm and knowledge, particularly of the Old Testament. She had a powerful and positive impact on students and staff. Elizabeth left ERMC in 2017 and took up a role training lay ministers in the Diocese of Bath and Wells until tragically her cancer returned.

“I worked alongside Elizabeth for part of her time at ERMC and was impressed by her energy and commitment. As long-term members of the Society for Old Testament Study, we had a great deal in common. She devoted fifteen years to research for a PhD on Noah and the Flood, which very sadly she did not have time to finish. With future researchers in mind, she generously spent as much time as she could in her final illness to shape her research into a form that could be shared. Generosity was a keynote in her character. I’m really gratified to know that it will be available on academia.edu for the benefit of future generations of OT scholars,” comments Rebecca Watson, ERMC’s Director of Studies.

Revd Alex Jensen, Principal of ERMC, also remembers Elizabeth with admiration,
“She set a great example to us all in pastoral care. She had a very deep and genuine concern for all her students. Elizabeth was at heart a very talented teacher and it was her commitment to the progress and well being of every student that I will remember.”