Tomorrow is going to be a very sad day. My boss, colleague and great friend for over 20 years spends his last day in charge of UKIRT. Andy Adamson is moving to Gemini.Andy and I have a long history together. He was my PhD supervisor back in the old days in Preston (I was his first PhD student) and he also taught some of my classes when I was an undergraduate. Not only was he a great supervisor and teacher, but towards the end of my PhD I went through a very bad time when my sister had to give up her battle with cancer and he helped me through the worst time of my life. Just recently he helped me when Pam was diagnosed with cancer and I was feeling as low and depressed as one can get - you have to remember that I got this news at the same time we were told UKIRT would be closing and I'd be out of a job. What a day that was, but Andy (and Pam) got me through it.
So Andy's off to other pastures and leaves a massive hole which I'm supposed to fill. From this weekend I'm Head of Operations for UKIRT, at least for a while until UKIRT's future is determined. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, in fact I'm scared and dreading it while also being excited about the opportunity. It's a strange mixture of emotions.
All I know is there's no way I can do the amazing job Andy did for UKIRT, but I'll do the best I can.
7 comments:
Please pass on my very best wishes to Andy. I am sure he will do well in his new job and I hope he is very happy in it. I am sure you will do well in your new job, as well :) Congratulations! UKIRT is lucky to have you! --Pam xo
Give my best wishes and hearty congratulations to Andy at donuts today!
And you'll do superbly, Tom! The greater workload probably isn't really appreciated, but you've got fantastic people to help you out every step of the way.
Andy was a great boss because he is calm, open and fair-minded. So are you. You'll do great.
It's sound like he was am excellent friend and mentor to you. I know one always grows close to a faculty advisor when in academia. I'm sure you'll be an excellent head of ukirt. I'm hoping to head up the mountain soon.
Congratulations to you, Tom, and good luck! Good luck to Andy, too. I wish you both nothing but success!
Thanks, everyone. It's the first day at work tomorrow. Seems strange as I've been here nearly 14 years, but this is a big change!
Tom
Don't worry about it Tom. Andy was great and so will you be. What am I talking about - we already know how good you are!
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