It is with great sadness that LSE learned of the death of Baroness Elspeth Howe, the Crossbench Peer, justice of the peace, public servant and LSE alumna, who died on 22 March aged 90.
Elspeth was an energetic, witty, and much-loved champion of LSE. She spoke with great fondness of her studies here at a time when, as ever, she was blazing a trail – in this case, displaying the insight and expertise that mature learners bring to the life of a university.
Her intellectual acumen and generosity are well-remembered by those who studied with her, and we are extremely grateful for her support long after she left. As well as acting a School Governor for an extraordinary 22 years, she kindly promoted our Parliamentary Internships Programme, supporting students to take their first steps into public service and helping kick-start many successful careers.
We were delighted to welcome her back to LSE several times, such as in September 2018, when she visited our Women’s Collection in the Library and offered typically inspiring thoughts on the exhibits through the prism of her own decades of experience.
She was tirelessly dedicated to public service, and she continues to be an inspiration to students who are considering involvement in public life and looking to her achievements as an example of the possibilities available to them.
LSE Director Minouche Shafik shared her condolences saying:
“Elspeth leaves a rich and lasting legacy at LSE and will long be remembered. I am personally sorry I was never able to benefit from her guidance in the House of Lords, though I shall always be inspired by her commitment and thoughtfulness.”
My condolence to the family and colleagues of Baroness Elspeth Howe. We will surely miss her.