Directory of Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows 1960 – 2002

In developing future policy, participating governments might wish to consider the extent to which alumni working
in universities meet their wider objectives in supporting the Plan. Here the profiles provide interesting evidence.
It is clear that those working in the sector have an excellent record in reaching the highest level of their
profession. It is also reasonable to assume that most meet the criteria of having a catalytic effect – through
contact with future generations or disseminating their views and ideas through publications. What is perhaps
most interesting, however, is the extent to which the academics sampled were involved in a wider range of
activities. In many cases, academics had been involved in other sectors also, through extensive voluntary work or
wider professional networks. They were also called upon widely by domestic governments or international
agencies to advise on policy or technical matters, thereby contributing both to the ‘influence’ and ‘development’
aims of scholarships described above.
Developing the Network
Governments have become more ambitious – and demanding – in their policy towards scholarships. For both the
Canadian and UK authorities, it is important both that the impact of their investment can be evaluated, and that
contact with award holders does not end upon graduation. We are keen to ensure that this Directory should serve
to stimulate further activity.
First and foremost, we hope that the final section, which lists the names and year of some 20,000 award holders,
will enable us to trace further alumni. Readers are encouraged to study the list for their particular years and
countries, and let us know details of any individuals, whose profiles are not featured here, that they recognize.
Once we have contacted these and obtained their consent, they will be added to the electronic version of the
Directory, which will appear on the CSFP web site (www.csfp-online.org) and the Canadian CSFP scholarships
website at www.scholarships-bourses-ca.org. Corrections and additions to existing entries are also welcome.
Traditionally, alumni activity for scholarship schemes has centred around newsletters, occasional receptions and
events and, in some regions, local chapters. Once established electronically, the Directory offers the potential to
move beyond this. It will allow direct contact between scholars across national boundaries. A project being
considered by the UK authorities at present is the creation of subject and interest groups, which will allow alumni
to both network and keep up to date with current developments in their field. Initiatives such as this can not only
contribute to the development and ‘friend raising’ impact of scholarships referred to above, but also offer a major
opportunity to promote the ideals of the Commonwealth. We believe that the Commonwealth Education
Ministers, whose foresight established the Plan in 1959, would have approved, and hope that their successors, in
Edinburgh forty-four years later, will share this enthusiasm.
x
John Kirkland
Commonwealth Scholarship
Commission in the United Kingdom
London, September 2003