Wishing a happy retirement to June Hattrick
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
June Hattrick PA to the Vice-Chancellor
ÔÇÿI have been very lucky in my career at the University. Doors have opened for me here and people have been so helpful and kind'
June Hattrick retires on 30 September after over 23 years with the University. June has been PA to the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall for seven years and was PA to the previous Vice-Chancellor, Professor Roger Williams for six years.
I spoke to June about her time at the University:
June started her career at the University in 1987 as secretary to Dr Alick Jones, Head of what was then Pure and Applied Zoology on the fifth floor of the AMS tower. When the Department merged in 1994, June oversaw the teaching office for Dr Chris Skidmore.
During these early career days, June joked with one of her colleagues that one day she hoped to have the confidence to apply for the role of Vice Chancellor's PA.
Plucking up the courage June applied to be the PA to Professor Roger Williams on the retirement of June Brazier and was duly appointed to the role in 1996. "I have been very lucky in my career at the University"; said June "Doors have opened for me here and people have been so helpful and kind".
From her position as PA with experience of two Vice-Chancellors June says her best advice to any aspiring PA is obviously to be the height of discretion, but to be prepared to take on any job at any time. "This might mean making coffee to preparing an itinerary for a group of high profile international visitors" said June.
"Also - be prepared for the unexpected - you never know what the day might bring; on one occasion I was passed a number and asked to make a call on behalf of one of the Officers of the University, the telephone was answered by the Private Secretary of the Prince of Wales - I was somewhat taken aback."
Hoping to find out some secrets from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, I asked June what was the most difficult part of her role, she replied in her inimitably professional way; "having a Vice-Chancellor that likes to get around his University means often not knowing where he might be! Especially if he forgets to turn his mobile on."
"One of the best things about my time at Reading is the incredible number of interesting people I have met", said June. "I will miss the University, the beautiful campuses, the atmosphere and all of the incredibly friendly people I have worked with over the years", she continued.
June passes over the baton to Tricia Allen on 30 September. "I wish Tricia the best of luck, I leave the office in good hands and if she enjoys her role half as much as I have done, she will be very happy. I will stay in touch with the University through the ‘Senior Common Room' and ‘Friends of the University' as well as the many friends I have made."
We wish June all the very best for a long and happy retirement.