Helen Alexander DBE (Geography, 1975)

Business leader; Honorary Fellow 2002-2018

I met two tutors at interview in 1974. They claimed Hertford Geography was becoming something special. It was, and it was exciting to be part of it. I’m proud to be a geographer.

The inclusion of women, as an experiment, also made the college stand out as a special place. We were too visible then, but now it’s normal to have a balanced intake, thank goodness.

The college was willing to innovate, while not being stuffy or pleased with itself, and was keen to maintain academic standards while being a happy, down to earth place. These were – are – important values for me.