The Institute’s long tradition of commemorating its Directors through portraiture continued with the unveiling of a newly commissioned portrait of former Director Dr James (Jim) Gazzard. Jim recently returned to the Institute for a special event marking his leadership and lasting contribution to the community.
A portrait capturing a personal legacy
Created by artist Ben Hughes, the portrait is a strikingly contemporary work that incorporates a number of personal details chosen by Jim. Set within an imagined corner of Madingley Hall, it includes one of his dogs resting on a rug, along with objects and framed images that reference moments and influences from his time at the Institute.
The piece will now hang in the Boardroom at Madingley Hall alongside the portraits of previous Directors, serving as a lasting tribute to Jim’s contribution.
"The process was a pleasure from start to finish. Dr Gazzard is engaging and contributed many ideas for inclusion in the painting. I love a compositional challenge and it helps that my style allows me to play about with reality a bit. I’m pleased we were able to find space for most of our thoughts and ideas, whilst still achieving a satisfactory whole." - Ben Hughes
Leading the Institute through transformation
Jim joined the Institute in 2016 at a time of significant change in the adult education field and went on to lead it through a period of transformation and growth over more than nine years.
During his tenure, the Institute (formerly known as the University of Cambridge Institute for Continuing Education, or ICE) expanded its reach and impact, embracing new forms of teaching and learning, including fully online provision, career accelerators and apprenticeships. The Better Futures encore education programme was approved. He also oversaw the Institute’s rebrand to University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), helping to shape a clearer identity for the future.
Reflecting on his time at the Institute, Jim shared:
“Leading this Institute has been a privilege. To serve our amazing community of adult learners within the context of a truly great university was such a uniquely rewarding experience. To do so alongside so many dedicated colleagues meant it was possible to deliver meaningful lifelong learning. Every day was alive with possibilities.”
Championing lifelong learning and widening participation
Throughout this time, Jim remained deeply committed to widening participation and championing lifelong learning. He fostered a learning community that brought together students from diverse backgrounds, life stages and disciplines, ensuring that Cambridge education remained accessible, inclusive and relevant to adult learners.
Following his time at Cambridge, Jim has taken on the role of Provost at The British University in Egypt.
Supporting future learners
The unveiling event also provided an opportunity to recognise a generous donation made by Jim to support a student from West Suffolk College, where he was a Governor, to attend the International Summer Programme for one week in 2026.
Announcing the donation, Dr Kirsty Allen, Interim Director, shared:
“What makes it even more meaningful is that it’s a combination of contributions from Jim’s PACE colleagues, showing their appreciation for Jim’s leadership of PACE, together with a personal donation from Jim himself.
Gifts like this really do make a real difference. They help remove financial barriers and give a student the chance to experience something truly inspiring at the University of Cambridge. Beyond the practical support of alleviating fees, it’s also a powerful message: someone believes in your potential, and someone is cheering you on.
We are deeply grateful for Jim’s lifelong commitment to continuing education at Cambridge, to widening access to our world-leading education, and for the positive impact this generosity will have on a student’s journey and potential future opportunities.”
A lasting impact
This gesture reflects not only Jim’s generosity, but also the strong sense of community within PACE. It highlights a shared belief in creating opportunities and supporting learners at every stage of their journey, something that has been central to Jim’s leadership.
The Institute thanks Jim for his leadership, generosity and lasting contribution to PACE. His legacy will continue to support the community in the years ahead.