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In Memory of Ian Hay Davison CBE (1931-2022)

We are deeply saddened to share the news that LSE alumnus, Emeritus Governor and Honorary Fellow, Ian Hay Davison CBE has passed away at the age of 91.

Ian was a devoted supporter and advocate of LSE. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting students through his philanthropy, and through advising LSE as member of LSE Court.

Ian Hay Davison attended Dulwich College and then the London School of Economics before completing postgraduate studies at the University of Michigan, USA.

Ian’s formidable career in finance included several high-profile regulatory roles, including chairman of the Accounting Standards Committee, Department of Trade & Industry inspector and member of the Audit Commission, before being asked by the Bank of England to become the Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Lloyd’s of London. He retired in 2004 but carried on as Chairman of investment firm Ruffer until 2011.

Ian’s legacy is not limited to the world of finance having spent much of his later life focusing on the arts as a trustee of the V&A and a director of the Royal Opera House, to name but a few of the voluntary roles he took on. His passion for trains also led him to become a member of the Railway Heritage Committee.

We send our deep condolences to his wife, Morny, and his loved ones.

Written by Helen Jones, Global Director of Development, LSE

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In memory of Baroness Elspeth Howe (1932-2022)

Portrait of Baroness HoweIt 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.”

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Richard Delbridge

LSE is saddened to learn of the death of Richard Delbridge, a member of the LSE Finance Committee since 2010. Richard graduated from LSE with a BSc (Economics) degree in 1963 and remained a loyal alumnus and a regular and generous supporter of LSE. He funded a wide range of initiatives including the ‘Delbridge Scholarship’, the African Initiative and the Annual Fund from which many benefitted. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Professor Craig Calhoun, Director of LSE