Book of condolences - Mark Toole
The University understands how difficult it can be when we lose someone close to us. We have opened up this online book of condolence to bring together tributes.
If you would like to offer your condolences or pay tribute you are invited to leave a message on this page.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mark Toole, Head of Libraries and Learning Resources. We have lost a respected colleague and friend.
Mark returned to his home city of Nottingham when he joined NTU 7 years ago. During his time at the University, Mark introduced many changes and service improvements resulting in the library being one of the most highly regarded in the sector. Underpinning everything Mark did was a fundamental and unwavering belief that whatever you do can be done better if in collaboration with students. This was borne out by the NSS results placing the library in the ‘top 10’ for mainstream universities.
Mark also found time to talk to colleagues across the library and could often be found at weekends talking and listening to library colleagues on the front line. Mark will also be missed by colleagues at NTU beyond the library and since hearing of Mark’s passing many have expressed their admiration and respect for him. They also commented on his humour and love of a good conversation, especially if it was about his passion for Spurs FC! As well as being a season ticket holder for many years, Mark was part of a small, enviable group of fans who also held an away season ticket.
Beyond NTU, Mark chaired the JISC Library Services Advisory Group and was honorary treasurer of the Mercian Collaboration, the professional network of the higher education libraries in the East and West Midlands. He was a former chair of SCONUL, the organisation which represents all university and national libraries in the UK & Ireland, and former chair of SCURL, the principal association of university and research libraries in Scotland. That Mark was in demand for such work is testament to his commitment to the national agenda for academic libraries and the value that work also brought back to NTU was immense.
Mark studied Computer Science at Churchill College, University of Cambridge and his early career began in information technology. He soon became involved in the delivery of library services at the London School of Economics and then at the American International University where Mark, for the first time, became responsible for the library as well as IT. Mark also worked at the universities of Brighton, Kent and Richmond before becoming the Director of Information Services at the University of Stirling, the role he held before joining NTU.
NTU was fortunate to have such an exceptionally passionate and well informed head of service, colleague and friend. Our thoughts are with Susi, Mark’s wife at this difficult and sad time.
As former chair of the Mercian Collaboration I wrote to Edward Peck, Vice Chancellor at NTU to express our condolences at the sad and untimely death of our friend and colleague Mark. At the request of the collaboration, the text of that letter is copied below. At our Director's Board meeting in March we held a minute's silence to remember Mark. Our board meets again today and I have no doubt there will be fond mention of Mark during the course of the meeting.
The letter mentioned above:
Dear Edward,
Yesterday, it was with great sadness that the library community across the UK learned of the untimely death of our friend and colleague Mark Toole.
May I offer sincere condolences to all members of the Library Team and other colleagues at Nottingham Trent at this sad time.
I am currently serving as chair of the Mercian Collaboration. The Mercian Collaboration is a professional network formed from SCONUL higher education libraries in the East and West Midlands. Mark was an active member of our collaboration, acting as our treasurer until he took time off for treatment. Our regional collaboration is one of the newest in the country. There is no doubt Mark contributed enormously to the success of our collaboration to date.
I wanted to let you know how highly regarded Mark was among his colleagues in the wider library community. Some of us knew him over many years others may only have known him slightly through his involvement in the collaboration, but his professionalism, commitment and good humour were qualities that were apparent from first meeting him.
We will miss him and our profession is poorer for his loss. Please be assured that we in the collaboration will do all we can to support Mike Berrington and the Library team at NTU going forward.
Kind regards
Diane
Posted by Diane Job, 04 Oct 2021
I worked with Mark at the University of Brighton from February 2003 to establish and manage the IT services for Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS). His solid support, insightful questions, wise advice, unfailing good humour and light hand on the tiller made it possible to deliver everything BSMS needed in order to open successfully in September 2003. Mark was the best manager I have ever had. I am shocked and saddened by his untimely death.
Posted by Mark Packer, 27 Mar 2021
I worked with Mark at Richmond and remember him fondly as a committed and talented colleague, determined to drive improvement. I am so saddened to hear of his passing and all thoughts with Sue.
Paula Fitzpatrick (nee Rix)
Posted by Paula Fitzpatrick, 25 Mar 2021
Mark was a great colleague and a great person to spend time with, I always left his company with a smile on my face. Fare-you-well Mark
Posted by James Dale, 04 Mar 2021
I was new to NTU. I stood nervously in a corner at a social event for senior staff, unsure what to do and thought I might leave for home. Just then a kindly gentleman noticed me, approached and introduced himself, and welcomed me. That man was Mark, and I will miss him greatly.
Posted by John, 03 Mar 2021
We will miss you Mark. You were such fun to be with. We had such great conversations with your fantastic general knowledge and your passion for many things including travel and information science and technology. You fought your illness with such courage and it's so unfair that the game didn't go your way in the end - no extra time was granted.
Rest peacefully dear friend.
Posted by Helen and Anita, 28 Feb 2021
Mark had a winning smile and always walked with great intent. My thoughts are with his family.
Posted by Sarah Johnson, 27 Feb 2021
The man who I always saw bearing a smile from ear to ear. Mark, you never lost your way as you always thought about the students whilst carrying out work related decisions. You helped me accomplish some of my goals and I’d like to think I helped you also throughout our time spent working together. You were indeed the Students’ Union VIP!
There is so much more I would like to have to you about. I will carry on your legacy of wearing a smile everywhere and slipping in humour to lighten the mood in long meetings!
My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Posted by Shakeel John-Lewis, 26 Feb 2021
As so many colleagues have already mentioned, Mark put students and staff in the centre of his work and enjoyed a challenge. He often teased me by saying if I disagreed he must be right. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mark's family.
Posted by Ruth Stubbings, 26 Feb 2021
As so many have already commented, Mark's affable demeanour is an enduring memory.
His values and aspirations, rooted in the student experience, were inspirational, even when challenging.
He leaves behind a legacy of a team who felt valued and appreciated.
My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Posted by John Mackay, 26 Feb 2021
Like so many others I found Mark to be a thoughtful, kind and supportive man who was a champion for the student experience. I will miss him, and our many chats about study spaces.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by Julie Partridge, 26 Feb 2021
When I was a boy, although not a Spus fan, Gary Mabbutt was one of my favourite players. Like Garry Mabbutt, Mark combined a talent that was equalled by his tremendous work ethic, determination to succeed, and willingness to get stuck in. I miss watching Gary Mabbutt play football, and I will miss working alongside Mark in the library.
Posted by Cliff Neal, 26 Feb 2021
Mark was a kind and honourable man. He was able to work truly collaboratively and for common goals above all else. It was a pleasure to know him as a colleague and a friend. My thoughts and fondest wishes are with Susi and those closest to them both.
Posted by Gill Ferrell, 26 Feb 2021
The sunshine for you as we say farewell is apt as your cheerful smile and caring attitude always shone through. We will miss you Mark.
Posted by Rosemary Milton, 26 Feb 2021
Many happy memories of watching Spurs together and travelling to and from games. The milk train from St Pancras will never seem the same. Rest in peace good friend and fellow Spurs supporter. COYS !!
Posted by John Warcup, 26 Feb 2021
I was saddened to hear of Mark's death. He was very approachable, and always made time for a chat.
Posted by Sharon Potter, 26 Feb 2021
Mark was wise, generous and warm. He also had such dry sense of humour, which he deployed with perfect timing. He was absolutely committed to students and their success. His advice was always sound and he always had time to talk through an idea or a problem. I’ll miss those conversations over coffee. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Posted by Jane McNeil, 26 Feb 2021
I will really miss Mark, I remember our late night conversations at away days and Mark's quick insight and humanity. He was a pleasure to work with. I also loved his stories about growing up in Nottingham. My thoughts are with his family.
Posted by Andrew Knight, 26 Feb 2021
I have fond memories of our chats while queuing for the printer and his cheerful smile when authorising invoices. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Posted by John Harral, 25 Feb 2021
I only knew Mark for a short time but I felt humbled by his cheerful demeanour and his pragmatic approach to his circumstances. His first concern was always for his colleagues, asking after them in our meetings and sending us regular updates. It is clear he was liked and respected by many people - our memories of him and the Library services he developed at NTU are a lasting legacy. With deepest sympathy for Susi and the family.
Posted by Sharon Huttly, 25 Feb 2021
I was sorry to hear of Marks passing. When he visited the library he was always smiling, had time to chat to staff (as well as students) and was interested in our views and opinions - something that will always stick in my mind as is so important.
I hope his family and friends can take some comfort in knowing how well Mark was thought of and the many positive words people have to say about him, he will certainly be missed.
Posted by Ruth Raven, 25 Feb 2021
With such fond memories, and such sadness, I am grateful to have known Mark. My heart goes out to Susie and his family, friends and colleagues.
Posted by Prof Gwen van der Velden, 25 Feb 2021
Sage, modest and with a twinkle in his eye. What a wonderful combination.
Posted by Michael Lees, 24 Feb 2021
It is with great sadness that I heard of the death of Mark Toole, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Mark joined the University of Kent in 1999 as Head of Computing Service. His post was a key senior role in Information Services, which was created in the same year under myself as the then University Librarian, to bring together the University Library and the Computing Service. It was a time when the power and potential of IT was promising new educational technologies, ever more sophisticated research systems, provision of digitised information, and the revolutionary communications systems that we all now take for granted.
It was, therefore, an exciting time, but also a challenging period of adaptation and change for all, a situation which Mark fully understood. His knowledge of current IT developments was extensive and forward-looking, and he had a clear vision of how the University’s research, teaching and communications could profit from them. At the same time, he never overlooked the doubts or uncertainties of those less familiar with the developments. He paid constant and close attention to the needs of all users of the Computing Service. He listened carefully to their requirements, focused on solutions that truly supported them and made sure that these were delivered.
It is difficult to do justice in this short piece to the range of developments that Mark led or influenced. In addition to the core work of managing frequent and rapid changes in IT infrastructure, he was instrumental in the introduction of VLEs and the expansion of the World Wide Web in all aspects of the University’s work. Alongside all that, he brought to Kent a key role in widening access to Higher Education, which was a government priority at the time. He won and led the establishment of the JISC’s Regional Support Centre for the South East, part of a network of such Centres set up throughout the country to facilitate collaboration between HE and FE and so to support students in their transfer to university study.
When reviewing Mark’s impact on the University, it seems hardly credible that he was part of the team for barely three years, before moving to the University of Brighton as Director of Information Services. Mark was so positive, energetic and helpful at all times that he enjoyed the highest level of trust and respect amongst the whole community. His period of service was short but he left a legacy valued by all.
Margaret Coutts
Former University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection, University of Leeds
(Director of Information Services and University Librarian, University of Kent, 1994-2005)
Posted by Margaret Coutts, 24 Feb 2021
I very much enjoyed working with Mark, who was passionate about the power of education to transform lives, and in particular the role of Libraries within this. He leaves behind a great library service as a legacy.
Posted by Steve Denton, 24 Feb 2021
I was shocked and very saddened to learn of Mark's death. He always put the student experience to the forefront of development in Library services. He will be very sadly missed, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family.
Posted by Dorothy Atherton, 24 Feb 2021
Mark is going to be missed. Whenever I saw Mark about the Library, he would always look up and say 'hello' with a smile and ask 'how are you'. He had time for you. Mark you will be missed.
Posted by Maureen Baggott, 23 Feb 2021
So very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was caring and always had time to say "Hello, how are you?" and be genuinely interested in the reply.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Posted by Rosemary Horn, 23 Feb 2021
I mostly came across Mark at ULT meetings, where he was always wise, witty and optimistic. His passion was evident. And I never once managed to recommend a book for the library that was not already there!
Posted by Barbara Matthews, 23 Feb 2021
Mark was always very kind to me and a lovely person to work with. His integrity, and his commitment and care for what he did was always apparent. A real gem we have all lost. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Posted by Philippa O'Connor, 23 Feb 2021
I will miss the "footie" conversations over the occasional beer or two. Rest in peace Mark, you will be missed.
Posted by John Murphy, 23 Feb 2021
Mark, I have such fond memories of working with you. Humour was always your way of getting through some challenging times. Prep for PSR's and budget settings was almost enjoyable with your witty comments that always grounded me and provided perspective. As my mentor you always gave sound advice and helped me find solutions I wouldn't have done so on my own. We shared many coffees and Pepsis at Costa which I will always remember. I was honoured that you joined us for my leaving do at NTU and I'm so glad we got time to talk then.
Susi I hope that you find some comfort in the memories shared here. Mark was a true professional and his drive and passion is evident with the learning spaces and libraries created under his watch.
Posted by Fliss Miller, 23 Feb 2021
Mark will be greatly missed. He had an amazing vision and did wonderful things to ensure the NTU library service was the best it could be, and was hugely influential in enhancing student experience in so many ways. He was also so supportive to colleagues. I really enjoyed working with Mark and NTU will not be the same without him. Sincere condolences for your loss.
Posted by Jenny Chapman, 23 Feb 2021
I so much enjoyed working with Mark - he was a very engaging and engaged colleague whom one could rely on to go beyond group think and really test out new ideas and proposals. In meetings, Mark never just nodded in agreement or accepted things at face value. Rather, he looked sceptical, weighed the matter up and then offered an opinion which often moved the discussion in a new and helpful direction.
He was a huge champion of the student experience with such a breadth of knowledge about not just libraries, but also IT gained in previous posts at Stirling and Brighton. This meant he could deploy data to great effect in tracking what resources students actually used as opposed to what academics said they wanted! He was really ambitious to create a digital-first library long before this was popular and he won over many who were sceptical. Not only did this give students access to a deep and rich online resource for learning which was ahead of its time, but it also freed up room in the libraries to create social learning spaces, study pods and silent rooms - something for every learning style was his aim.
This led, in turn, to libraries which were welcoming, productive havens in a busy world. In ordinary times, no one could stand at the foot of the stairs in Boots library and fail to be impressed by the gentle hum of purposeful activity and the sheer number of students happily ebbing to-and-fro through its varied spaces.
Mark was in great demand when we had visitors to campus keen to see how his professional service coped with high numbers yet maintained incredibly high satisfaction levels. From cabinet ministers to chairs of select committees to the head of the Office for Students - all were impressed by Mark’s forward thinking and customer focus.
His role as chair of SCONUL - the Society of College, National and University Libraries - also enabled Mark to share ideas and influence a sector far beyond his own university.
Amidst all this, Mark still had time for the individual student and hearing the student voice. A recent student union Vice President for Education said to me she was devastated to hear the news as Mark was “always unbelievably supportive. He empowered me in so many ways, especially during my time as VP. He was an incredible human being who made a difference to so many young people”.
Mark definitely enjoyed the challenge that comes from really engaging with the student experience - and he was proud as could be when facilities were opened which improved some aspect of student life. He embraced the idea that the library should operate outside of its usual footprint and numerous extended study lounges were the result -all around the campus. Similarly what were office hours to a library which sometimes seemed more like an emergency service to those students who had left things to the last minute! Mark and his team rose to every challenge to keep the libraries open and accessible when needed, running a much appreciated 24/7 service for much of the year on several sites at once.
I have no doubt that Mark loved his job - at least many aspects of it - as he could not have maintained his enthusiasm and momentum if this was not the case. It was wonderful to read the outputs from the regular Customer Service Excellence audits which shed light on Mark’s effective leadership of his team. Mark certainly derived immense satisfaction from creating and implementing improvement projects with colleagues but he also enjoyed the day to day interactions of an academic community in which he was such a very respected and valued member.
Professor Eunice Simmons
Vice Chancellor
University of Chester
Posted by Professor Eunice Simmons, 23 Feb 2021
We have known Mark & Susi for a very long time. We have enjoyed their visits in the UK, USA & Canada. Mark will be a great loss to all that knew him. Condolences to Susi X
Posted by Bridget & Tim, 23 Feb 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Mark throughout his time at NTU. A man of great intellect and integrity, an advocate for students and colleagues alike. His loss will be felt widely. My sincere condolences to Susi, his family and friends.
Posted by Nicola Townsend, 22 Feb 2021
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mark's passing - and disappointed for all of the missed opportunities to work with him again in the future. Like so many others I found Mark to be a thoroughly decent and thoughtful man, who was a joy to work with. My condolences to his friends and colleagues; my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you, Susi.
Posted by Shane Sutherland, 22 Feb 2021
I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I knew him from attending HEIDS in Scotland when he was at Stirling. He was always very friendly and acted with the best intentions for the good of the community. Mark, rest in peace.
Posted by John Maher, 22 Feb 2021
Very sad to here of Mark's passing. A genuinely warm and nice bloke. I had the pleasure of working with him closely throughout the PebblePad implementation. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Posted by Daniel Scott, 22 Feb 2021
I am saddened to learn of Mark's passing. We worked together on a couple of committees during my time at NTU, and it would be difficult to think of a more committed and equitable chair, or a warmer, calmer and more effortlessly humorous colleague and human being. My condolences to Mark's family and to my colleagues and friends at NTU affected by this sad loss. RIP.
Posted by Ronan Fitzsimons, 22 Feb 2021
So sorry to hear this news and my thoughts are with Mark's family and friends. Mark was an extremely down to earth man who made every meeting that I had with him a joy to be in. He was approachable, funny and always had a smile on his face. His desire to improve the facilities and trial new things for students was always at the forefront of what he did. I will particularly miss walking with him (as we did on occasion) onto campus in the mornings and talking about anything other than work! Mark you will be missed.
Posted by Anne Adams, 22 Feb 2021
It was always inspiring to be discussing with Mark the future of libraries and how we might push forward the boundaries with technology. I'll miss the difference of opinion we had as football fans. Rest in peace.
Posted by Alan Brine, 22 Feb 2021
My sincere condolences for your loss. Mark was a wonderful 'portfolio buddy'; committed, funny and an excellent source of advice. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and he will be sorely missed.
Posted by David Woolley, 22 Feb 2021
Mark worked tirelessly behind the scenes on so many national initiatives. Incisive and intelligent, he was a wonderfully approachable colleague and worked happily with librarians and IT staff at all levels, regardless of status. I feel proud to have known him and have learned from him and send condolences from UEA to his family and colleagues.
Posted by Nicholas Lewis, 21 Feb 2021
So happy to have had the pleasure of working with Mark last year on a project. It’s not often someone makes such impression in such a fleeting manner. Always remember home, his energy, humour and passion. Thank you Mark. Rest In Peace.
Posted by Rachel Heyes, 19 Feb 2021
In the short time I had working with Mark face-to-face he was kind, funny, and full of enthusiasm. He is greatly missed and my thoughts are with his family x
Posted by Kathy Charles, 19 Feb 2021
Mark was really lovely to me since I was a very new IA at Clifton and after I transferred to Boots he checked on me to see how the transition was going for me. We chatted about holidays and technology in libraries. He'll be remembered as a present and cheery Head of LLR. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by Katherine Rodriguez, 19 Feb 2021
Mark took the time to meet me when I started at the University and his comments to me that every request from a student was as important and to be taken as seriously as any other has stayed with me. More than that, it is the basis for how we work and so I'm grateful to have had that guidance. I was sorry to hear of his long illness and passing away.
Posted by Hannah Dobson, 19 Feb 2021
Saddened to hear of Marks passing. Will miss the the surprise slap on the back in the White Hart when Mark came in to watch Spurs.
Posted by David White, 18 Feb 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, Mark was passionate about his work and always had time for anyone. Mark will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Posted by Timinjeet Sandhu, 18 Feb 2021
Mark was a wonderful colleague. He was a great champion for NTU and moved our libraries and learning resources on significantly. He was also great fun to be around. I will miss him greatly.
Posted by Michael Carr, 17 Feb 2021
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Mark. Condolences to friends, family and colleagues from all at Solutionpath
Posted by Richard Gascoigne, CEO, Solutionpath, 17 Feb 2021
Under Mark’s stewardship, NTU library confirmed its position as one of the most highly regarded in the sector. Always ambitious for the service, always wanting to explore new services and innovations, Mark achieved much in his time at the University. Above all else, Mark was guided by a passion to engage with students and the foundations he laid for close cooperation with the SU in particular will be a lasting legacy. His passing is a great loss to the whole University and I offer my condolences at this very sad time to his wife, Susi.
Posted by Mike Berrington, 17 Feb 2021
I will always remember Mark as a character full of optimism and jollity. His friendliness and supportive nature were evident in any meetings that he held or took part in. My memory of Mark will always be his large and generous smile. Sending my best wishes and condolences to his family.
Posted by Jo Hartley, 17 Feb 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Mark. We worked closely together for many years on the NSS and other library projects, as he was passionate about improving the student experience. I always enjoyed working with Mark and talked to him most days in Dryden or Costa which he called his second office. He will be sadly missed.
Posted by Kim Winter, 17 Feb 2021
Mark was such a friendly man, who was so enthusiastic and effective in his mission to innovate and support NTU's students. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Mary O'Neill, 17 Feb 2021
Mark is going to be greatly missed. Mark always had a smile and made time to chat. Making us feel we really were important, and our opinions mattered. You are very much in my thoughts.
Posted by Linda Parker, 17 Feb 2021
Mark would always listen and engage with the students to further enhance their university experience. He will be very much missed. x
Posted by Melanie Campion, 17 Feb 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Mark's passing - having worked with him for many years on many projects, he always brought a professionalism to the room, but always with kindness. He will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Mark, my prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by Clare James, 17 Feb 2021
I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of Mark. I initially met Mark through the graduation ceremonies and he was always chatty and had a smile. Whenever we bumped in to each other in Dryden, or around campus, he would say hello or stop for a quick chat. He will be missed by all those he knew at NTU.
Posted by Samantha Jenkinson, 17 Feb 2021
On the few occasions that I met Mark he was always friendly and clearly passionate about his work at NTU. I know how well respected he was and how much he will be missed by colleagues. Thinking of his family at this sad time.
Posted by Laura Stinson, 17 Feb 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Marks death. I took minutes at our Management Team meetings which Mark chaired. He was a lovely man who was always smiling. My thoughts are with you xxx
Posted by Jackie Brown, 16 Feb 2021
Mark and I worked closely together on the Learning Spaces group throughout most of my time at NTU. He was a wonderful colleague: always inclusive, thoughtful, kind and supportive. He championed innovation to support student learning and the result was an excellent suite of libraries and extended study lounges that students really value. A sad loss, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Posted by Rob Mortimer, 16 Feb 2021
We were saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. On behalf of the ucisa member community, of which Mark was a part, I send our thoughts and best wishes to Mark’s family friends and colleagues. He will be missed.
Posted by Deborah Green, CEO ucisa, 16 Feb 2021
Mark was always keen to get stuck into a good project, and never failed to bring fantastic value, commitment and team spirit. My main memory of Mark, however, is how he often made me late for work; we'd regularly bump into each other on the way in, and put the world to rights for half an hour! I'll sorely miss his support, directness and sense of humour, and my thoughts are with his family at this time.
Posted by Suzi Jobe, 16 Feb 2021
I had the honour of working with Mark on a couple of projects over the years, Pebblepad and then Mansfield just before he left. He was a great colleague and had a great warmth and kindness. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this sad time.
Posted by Debra Easter, 16 Feb 2021
While I haven't met Mark in person, I have heard good things about him, and I am sorry to see him go. I offer my condolences and hope that his legacy will live on with the library.
Posted by Anh Pham, 15 Feb 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Mark on a number of projects across NTU, and I was always struck by his authentic care for the staff and students that he supported. NTU has definitely been a better place for Mark’s presence, not just for the excellent service and innovation created alongside his library team, but for his kind and carefully respectful approach to working with people. Mark had the habit of making you feel the genuine interest that he took from each and every conversation you shared. I personally will miss our corridor conversations, but in particular I will miss Mark’s sense of humour (often chortling along to his own jokes, long after everyone else!). That’s how I will continue to remember him. Sending much love to Mark’s family.
Posted by Dr Kerry Gough, 15 Feb 2021
It was a privilege to work with Mark on a number of projects over the last few years. He always brought energy and enthusiasm, but above all a commitment to making things better for our students. I will miss his wise counsel immensely. The world is a poorer place without him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Posted by Victoria Fanning, 15 Feb 2021
Mark worked tirelessly in his role as Head of Libraries and Learning Resources, but he was also generous with his time and talents for other NTU activities. He would seize the opportunity to Chair course approval events here in CADQ, where his energy, enthusiasm and wise counsel was appreciated by course teams, panel members and those of us fortunate enough to work closely with him on these events. He was always happy to stop and chat – we would talk about the LSE where he worked and I studied, his excitement at attending the Edinburgh Festival with his wife Susi and of course football. It was a privilege to have worked with - my deep condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues.
Posted by Helene Burd, 15 Feb 2021
As a member of the Library Management Team, I worked closely with Mark. Mark was passionate about the student experience and offering the very best services and facilities we could to support our users. He enjoyed spending time in the site libraries, observing first hand how our services supported students and being a visible leader to staff. He will be remembered for his dedication, energy and enthusiasm and will be greatly missed by all who worked with him.
Posted by Kate Marshall, 15 Feb 2021
Mark always brought joy to every room and meeting he was in. Both his smile and professional insight will be sadly missed by friends and colleagues at NTU.
Posted by Sara Murcott, 15 Feb 2021
Working in Libraries and Learning Resources, I had the opportunity to see and speak with Mark regularly. He always had a great energy about him, always popping into the library and seeing how the staff were getting on. I feel so fortunate to have worked alongside a manager who was so passionate about his work. He will be missed.
Posted by Sarah Wilcox, 15 Feb 2021