23 Oct 2023
The former wife of the late theoretical physicist and cosmologist Professor Stephen Hawking was the guest of honour at a ceremony at St Albans School last week.
Dr Jane Hawking named its new state-of-the-art science facility after school alumnus Professor Hawking.
The Hawking Building houses the science department and includes dedicated physics, biology and chemistry labs and prep rooms, new facilities for computer science and teaching rooms that have been completely refurbished. In addition, the building houses a telescope that belonged to Professor Hawking, kindly donated to the Astronomy Club by his family.
Dr Hawking unveiled a plaque after receiving a tour of the site with with her husband, Jonathan Hellyer Jones, by the headmaster Jonathan Gillespie. As well as visiting the upgraded facilities, there was a demonstration of the telescope and a display of artefacts from the school’s archive relating to her former husband.
She said: “Science was obviously hugely important to Stephen in his schooldays, and it is an honour to see his legacy continued at his former school. Science has progressed so far in recent decades, and The Hawking Building gives students access to top-quality facilities that will encourage the next generation of brilliant minds.”
Headmaster Mr Gillespie added: “I’d like to thank Dr Hawking for naming our new facilities, and the donors whose generosity funded this project.
“The new labs and equipment will enable us to continue delivering the highest levels of science education. Professor Hawking is one of our most famous alumni, and it is a pleasure to commemorate his inspirational legacy to the school in this way.”
