Dr James Hester (1924 - 2014)

NEWS |

It is with great sadness that the College marks the death of Dr James Hester, alumnus and Honorary Fellow.

Dr Hester came to Pembroke in 1947 as a Rhodes Scholar to read PPE. His career afterwards saw him serve as President of New York University (1962-1975), Rector of The United Nations University in Tokyo (1975-1980), President of the New York Botanical Garden (1980-1989), and President of The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation (1989-2004).

A lifelong supporter and friend of Pembroke, Dr Hester played a pivotal role in US alumni activities, including as founding Chairman of the Pembroke College Foundation of North America.  His gifts to College over the years were recognised with the unveiling of The Hester Room in 2011.

A full obituary for Dr Hester has been published by The New York Times: click here to read.