Janet Richards

In 1992 Jan joined the Business School as secretary to the newly established Japanese Studies Centre. This was the start of Jan’s fantastic contribution to Cardiff University.

Jan was an extremely competent administrator and organiser, with a natural flair for helping and supporting students.

All over the world are young people who hold Jan with a depth of respect and fondness, many of whom have openly expressed their gratitude to Jan for helping them through their four-year degree, which included a semester or a year in Japan.

The first cohort of Cardiff students travelled to Japan for one year in September 1992 – before the existence of the Internet. Everything was arranged by fax and letter. Jan set up systems following rigid protocols for application forms and visa applications, never missing a deadline, and for almost twenty years dealt with all the administrative matters, as well as the care and concern that students need before embarking upon, and during, studies abroad.

Jan was a trained secretary; she would be in the office early every morning tapping away at the keyboard, often transcribing notes she had taken in shorthand. Jan worked not only for the four academics and three language assistants in Japanese Studies, but also for four or five other academics from the Business School. How did she do it?

Jan would regularly come in to the office on a Sunday evening – this was in the days before e-mail and remote working. She would work quietly for a few hours in order to get ahead for the coming week.

Her commitment to her work and to her colleagues was 110%.

Jan was a character – she was such fun! She had many ‘one liners’ at which we would often dissolve into laughter. Not everyone understood her sense of humour; students soon worked it out, and delighted in it.

If ever you needed advice on anything, Jan would know what to do. Many of us are grateful for this. Jan had a wise outlook; she just knew things.

I have received several messages of condolence from colleagues in Japan. This is absolute testament to the respect and esteem in which Jan was held, not only amongst many of us in the Business School, but also in other countries and across generations.

Jan’s close family and many friends will miss her hugely.

To add my personal view as I close and say goodbye: I am honoured and privileged to have worked alongside such a wonderful lady throughout my career.

Rose Smith

Cardiff Business School