Following the sad death of Dr Ed Rooksby in February 2021, Ed's family would like to invite his colleagues, students and friends to join them in paying tribute to his life and achievements by making a donation in support of the York Opportunity Scholarship fund.
Ed was a wonderful colleague and outstanding teacher who will be remembered for his kindness, his passion for teaching, and his immense intelligence. Ed was awarded a PhD in political theory at the University of York in 2008 and returned to York in September 2019 to take up a post as Associate Lecturer.
He was a most talented thinker and writer. His journal papers, pieces in political magazines such as Jacobin and his own blog were knowledgeable, learned, wise and urgent. The new book he was working on was to set out a creative rethink of socialist strategy. For Ed, socialist political theory was beyond a mere academic pursuit - it represented a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of justice. Ahead of this Summer's 2021 graduation, Ed has been awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Award 2021 to celebrate his significant achievements in teaching and learning support across the University.
To celebrate Ed's life, we would like to invite you to make a contribution towards the York Opportunity Scholarship, a cause that we feel reflects Ed's life, work and values. The York Opportunity Scholarship was set up so that students from all backgrounds have a chance to access a life-changing education at York. Many students from less advantaged backgrounds face significant financial and emotional barriers to their education, which have only increased during the coronavirus pandemic.
By giving to a York Opportunity Scholarship today, 100% of your gift will go directly to a student from an underrepresented background. Thank you for considering a gift to recognise Ed's contribution to supporting students at York.
If you wished to share any memories or photographs of Ed then you can do so via the 'Comments' tab on this page once you have made your gift.
If you are considering giving a larger in memoriam gift, and would like to have a conversation first, please get in touch with Kalli Keramari, University of York Philanthropy Manager, on kalliopi.keramari@york.ac.uk.
