VC medal for Simpson

Sportingly: Prof John Simpson, left, on duty as chairperson of UCT's Sports Council

Professor John Simpson's contribution to UCT and beyond has earned him the Vice-Chancellor's Medal.

Simpson, deputy dean in the Faculty of Commerce, was praised for being a role model and an ambassador for good educational practice during his 35 years' service.

"As a renowned teacher he touched the lives of many students, often rated beyond the scale of excellence in his class evaluations and, as head of the School of Management Studies, he has been responsible for many innovations and developments within the school over the years," said Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price.

Simpson, who is also director of The UCT Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketing, retires at the end of this year after a long and distinguished career in teaching, research and management.

He started as a part-time lecturer in 1969 and has held numerous leadership positions at the university, including being the chairperson of the UCT Sports Council.