In memoriam: Charlotte Bretherton
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of a former LJMU colleague, Charlotte Bretherton.
Charlotte was deeply connected with life at LJMU, having studied as a student at the Liverpool Polytechnic and then becoming a member of staff at LJMU and contributing groundbreaking research and inspirational teaching in the Politics department.
The sterling academic career Charlotte embarked on had its founding in the Polytechnic’s - and later university’s - mission to open up education to all. After leaving school, Charlotte worked as a nurse and then legal secretary until, in 1976, she enrolled as a student, joining via a direct entry scheme with Open University credits. Two years later she became the first student to achieve a first class degree on the BA Social Studies course. She continued her studies at the University of Liverpool, securing an MA (with distinction) in Latin American studies.
Charlotte moved into teaching in the secondary school environment and was later a policy adviser to local government, a move which saw her return to the Liverpool Polytechnic as a part time lecturer in politics in the mid-1980s. This role, as the polytechnic converted into LJMU, led to a full time post in 1992 as a lecturer in International Relations and European Studies where she stayed until her retirement in 2014. Her contribution to the Politics and Language area was, in terms of teaching, research and student care, immense. Her two books, Global Politics (1996) and The European Union as a Global Actor (1999; 2006) were groundbreaking pieces of academic research that were widely cited and drawn upon. She also published prodigiously in the field of developmental studies and feminist politics via journal articles and book chapters. An advocate of student exchanges and enriching the cultural experience of those in her care, she was a driving force in developing the Erasmus scheme in the university and cajoled her students to broaden their horizons and to develop their interests.
"Insightful, enthusiastic and a force of nature"
Charlotte’s popularity with the student body saw her become an early sensation on Facebook, when, in 2007, the ‘Charlotte Bretherton: Modern Day Hero’ page was set up. Ex- Student, Kelly Fowler (née Simcock), CEO of the Belong Network: “Such an important person in my life and at a critical time. I was amazed at how brilliant she was……. Brilliant, being the word, until, no doubt, the very end.”
Former colleagues of Charlotte have queued up to provide their memories of her personality and contribution, with Professor Tony Mcgrew declaring her “an amazing woman, an endearing personality, a great conversationalist, always positive and compassionate towards others and an inspiration in her academic and teaching career”. Those who taught with her as she retired, such as current HSS School Director Alex Miles, pay testament to her collegiality and how she was a "wonderful colleague who was insightful, enthusiastic and a force of nature who lit up any space she was in", while Professor Mike Mannin declared her quite simply to be "indomitable".
In retirement, Charlotte indulged her life long of jazz music, took up canoeing and volunteered at the Liverpool Community Advice centre and the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Charlotte enjoyed travelling widely and spending time with her loving husband, Professor John Vogler (former LJMU) and sons, Matthew and Sam. Our thoughts are with them as we remember the contribution Charlotte made to life at LJMU.
Celebrating Charlotte's life
Anyone who wants to celebrate Charlotte’s life are welcome at a memorial event at Keith’s, Lark Lane, Liverpool at 7.30pm on Monday 11 May.
