Remembering Michael Richardson

The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) was saddened to learn of the passing of Michael (Mike) Richardson on Saturday 19^th September 2020.  

Mike was Director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning from 1990 to 2003.    

He was nationally prominent in the field of lifelong learning, having risen over a 21-year career at the Open University to the position of Pro Vice Chancellor, prior to joining Cambridge.  

As an undergraduate, he read theology at St John's College Cambridge. He received an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University in 1994 and became a Fellow of Wolfson College, maintaining an Emeritus Fellowship after his retirement.   

Under Mike’s tenure, the Board of Extramural Studies was renamed in 1991 as the Board of Continuing Education. In 2001 it was again renamed under his leadership to its current name, the Institute of Continuing Education.    

He oversaw a range of key projects including the important and influential “Credit Where Credit Is Due” initiative which sought to bring extramural and continuing education awards into the mainstream higher education credit landscape and, significantly, set out to raise the status of the learning achievements of adult students. This work formed a basis for the University of Cambridge undergraduate certificates and diplomas delivered today by ICE.  

He took forward the plans of his predecessor Michael Allen to ensure the successful development of the Tower Wing, Dart Building extension, refurbishment of the Gallery and Courtyard accommodation (creating en-suite bedrooms) and building the Terrace Bar at Madingley Hall.  

Mike is warmly remembered as a highly able, astute and personable leader. He was brilliant public speaker and always struck the right note when engaging with colleagues at Madingley and across the Collegiate University.  

He was predeceased by his wife Gill and is survived by his daughters Helen and Fran.