19 February 2007 Retirement ends long family link

 

A dynastic connection with Lincoln University spanning almost 70 years came to an end in December 2006 with the retirement of Dr John Adams, Head of the Soil and Physical Sciences Group.

John’s father, Arthur, was a soil scientist at Lincoln in the days when the group was a department. He served from 1938 to 1977, retiring with the rank of Reader (Associate Professor). John, who completed a PhD at Lincoln in 1970 under Professor TW Walker, joined the staff in 1976.

“I’m very proud of our record of nearly 70 years of combined service to Lincoln and soil science,” said John in his farewell address in Memorial Hall on 11 December. 

“The University has been part of my life, all my life.

“I even met my wife Bridget here, so that’s something very special too.”

Reflecting on his time at Lincoln, John said he struggled to think of anything he would not miss because they were far out-weighed by the things he would miss.

“I will not miss only two things  -  the annual salary review exercises  -  I’ve never enjoyed those  -  and the other reviews of various sorts  -  I often wonder about the time spent on these.

“The things I will miss are the lovely campus. It’s a beautiful campus. The drive to work each day from the city. It’s great. Over the years I’ve driven about a quarter of a million kilometres between Christchurch and Lincoln. In winter, the sight of fresh snow on the alps. I will miss that.

“I will miss my colleagues in soil science and in the wider university.

“Lastly but not least I’m going to miss the students. I like students and in particular I have treasured the opportunity to teach undergraduates.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for the odd balls and those who need extra help. There’s always such great satisfaction in seeing them eventually succeed.

“I do hope that the importance of undergraduates is not lost sight of as postgraduate numbers increase. Both are important for a balanced university.”

 

‘Exemplary contribution’ - Vice-Chancellor

In a retirement tribute to Dr John Adams, Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field praised his passion for “doing things right”.

He said that in addition to being a lecturer and researcher, John had been the  “consummate academic administrator”.

“One always sensed that he enjoyed some of the minutiae of administration, for example his service on the Timetable Committee.”

The Vice-Chancellor also referred to John’s “legendary love” of Canterbury sport and noted that in their cricketing days together he had been an “uncompromising opening batsman” for Lincoln.

John’s link with Canterbury University through teaching soil science to forestry students was also noted and was his time on the board of Christchurch Girls’ High School. His involvement with education has been wide and his contribution to New Zealand soil science has been significant through his just-completed term as President of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science.

“Your retirement will close a chapter in your family’s involvement with this university. You have made an exemplary 30-year contribution,” said Professor Field.

 

Rhodesian experience

Soil Science Department doyen Dr Phil Tonkin traced John’s career from his days as a PhD student at Lincoln, through an appointment in Rhodesia as a post-doctoral fellow, then back to New Zealand for a post at the DSIR’s Soil Bureau and finally a return to Lincoln and a lectureship.
 
“Before John took up his job at Lincoln, his Dad, Arthur, came to me and asked if there would be a problem if his son was appointed here. We can answer that question today. No problem!

“John has made a very seminal contribution to the development of soil science at Lincoln University and in New Zealand,” said Dr Tonkin.