Inspiring people
But these successful projects only represent one aspect of Springman’s remarkable achievements. Her tireless commitment to women and diversity at this venerable university has fuelled changes that will have an impact for many years to come.
During her time at ETH, Springman achieved tremendous gains for teaching, for the university, and for Switzerland as a whole. She received much praise for her enthusiasm, warmth and British humour, not just from students – as testified by numerous social media posts – but also from many other individuals both inside and outside the university walls.
As a result, Sarah Springman will be remembered for far more than being the second woman to hold the post of ETH Rector, after Heidi Wunderli-Allenspach. The heartfelt admiration of many of those who worked with “Sarah” shines through in the messages of thanks below.
Her new role as emeritus Rector doesn’t mean that Springman will be putting her feet up any time soon. At the beginning of February, she will take up her next post as principal of St. Hilda’s College at Oxford University.
