Alumni news
Remembering Tez and paving the way for Sussex students to succeed
By: Emma Wigmore
Last updated: Wednesday, 8 May 2024
Tez’s paver
The Pave the Way pathway in front of the Arts A building in Library Square
Tez Quirke (standing, fourth from left), Vice-Chancellor Asa Briggs (seated) and former members of the Students’ Union Executive Committee
Stretching from Library Square to the iconic Arts A building, the Pave the Way pathway is adorned with hundreds of inscribed bricks. Each brick tells a story – a message etched in stone, a tribute to a mentor, a celebration of friendship, or a heartfelt remembrance. This pathway is more than just a walkway; it’s a living memorial – a testament to the shared experiences, dreams, and aspirations that have shaped Sussex’s community and rich history.
The pathway also provides a means of giving back. The proceeds from each engraved paver directly support the Sussex Fund, which plays a crucial role in enriching students’ university experience and well-being through providing scholarships, hardship grants and enabling unique opportunities.
One of the most recent pavers to be incorporated into the pathway commemorates Tez Quirke (AFRAS 1966), President of the Students’ Union from 1968 to 1969. Tom Macan (SOC 1965), Union President from 1967-68, along with 19 other friends decided to commission the paver to honour their very dear friend who passed away in 2018.
Tom explains the genesis of the idea:
“The plan to commission a memorial paver for Tez came about from discussion between myself, Mary McMurray (ENGAM 1967), Union Vice-President 1968 and Union Secretary 1969-70, and two of Tez’s closest friends. We searched our memories and our address books to identify as many of Tez's friends as we could – most, but not all from his Sussex days. Many of us had, like Tez, been involved either with the Students Union or the Sports Federation (which Tez chaired the year before he became Union President); others had lived in the same Guest House or flat, worked with him professionally in the world of academic administration, or had simply known him.
“We invited all those we had identified to make a donation towards a paver, and specified that any amount left over would go to the Sussex Fund. In the event, 20 of Tez's friends chipped in and we raised a total of £620.
“We all agreed that Tez was a person who believed very strongly in making access to university education as open as possible. Put quite simply, supporting the Sussex Fund was exactly what Tez would have wished us to do.”
If you are interested in honouring a fellow alum, friend or family member through Pave the Way, a gift in your will or other donation to the University, we would be happy to support you. Please contact us at giving@sussex.ac.uk for more information.
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