Centenary celebration
Hertford alumnus and former Geography tutor, Dr Jim Houston, celebrates his 100th birthday!
21 November 2022
We send our warmest wishes and congratulations to Hertford alumnus and former Geography tutor, Dr Jim Houston, who celebrates his 100th birthday today (Monday 21 November 2022).
Dr Houston matriculated at Hertford Colege in 1945 to read for a DPhil, with the thesis title of The Social History of the Huerta of Valencia. He remained at Hertford for the next 20 years, becoming a Fellow in Geography and taking on the role of Bursar from 1967-1970. A man of deep Christian faith, he left Oxford – and Geography – to join Regent’s College, a graduate school of Christian Studies in British Columbia, where he was Principal from 1970 – 1978.
Please join us in wishing Dr Houston a very happy birthday on his centenary!
Finally, we asked Dr Houston’s students for their recollections of him, and their memories are of a kind, thoughtful and compassionate man who had a defining influence on his students. Many recalled stimulating and academically rigorous tutorials, as well as invitations to Sunday lunch with Jim and his family. Moreover, he supported his students through challenging times, from navigating the transition to Oxford life to the death of a loved one. To hear these memories in full, please read our news article celebrating Dr Houston’s centenary on The Bridge blog.