AFTER quarter of a century working with thousands of students, one of the longest-serving members of staff is saying goodbye to University College Worcester.

Pat Pichard joined the Henwick Grove college in 1979 after five years working at a Birmingham school.

At UCW she worked in a variety of roles including tutor, school experience co-ordinator and head of careers, before taking up her final position as head of student services.

Mrs Pichard established the Student Information and Guidance Centre in April 2000, working alongside colleagues from all faculties to set up the project from scratch.

"One of the most prized elements of working at UCW for so long, has been the opportunity to work across the college, in different areas of activity and with different groups of people," she said.

"I've gone through some steep learning curves and my share of challenges and have enjoyed every minute of them.

I shall be sad to say goodbye to all my colleagues and friends that I have made here over the last 25 years but I'm taking with me some fantastic memories.

UCW's principal Professor David Green was full of praise for her work.

Dedication

Pat has demonstrated her commitment and dedication to UCW many times over, rising to every challenge that has been put to her and thriving on it, he said.

Pat knows UCW inside out - at some stage or another, she has worked with most departments and everyone will agree that she has been an inspiration and a pleasure to have around.

We all wish her the very best in her retirement.