Divinity staff take the plunge

Hardy souls from the School of Divinity have agreed to brave the cold North Sea to raise money for charity by taking part in the University of St Andrews’ traditional ‘May Dip’.

This year, staff from the University’s St Mary’s College will join forces with some local ministers for the time-honoured ritual by taking a dip into the sea at dawn on Friday 1st May.

Organised by St Mary’s College Student Society, this is the first time that the event will involve a group of staff, and the fundraisers aim to donate one thousand pounds to the British Heart Foundation.

Head of Divinity Professor James Davila will be joined by Professor Alan Torrance, Professor of Theology as well as lecturers in New Testament and Church History Dr Kelly Iverson and Dr Mark Elliott.

Office Manager at St Mary’s College Debbie Smith, Undergraduate Secretary Susan Millar and South Street Library Assistant Linda Kinloch are also amongst those taking part.

Andrew Moss, Charities Representative of St Mary’s College Society, said, “This event is generally done by students, however this year our lecturers, including the Head of Divinity, and staff as well as some surrounding clergy are taking the plunge in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

“This shows the University’s commitment to charitable causes, demonstrating both a strong relationship between ‘town and gown’ and between staff and students. The May Dip seemed like an appropriate event because, although it is something that staff would not normally do, it is still linked with the traditions of the University.

“The British Heart Foundation was selected as the cause and since some of the money donated will be given to the ‘HeartStart’ centre in St Andrews we will be contributing to the local community, as well as to a national charity.”

Former Divinity students Reverend Rory Macleod, Minister of Holy Trinity Church in St Andrews, David Logan, Minister of St Athanase Church in Leuchars, and Reverend Joanne Hood, Minister of Broughton St Marys Church in Edinburgh will complete the challenge alongside current Divinity student Reverend David Wilson, Rector of St Andrews Episcopal Church in St Andrews.

The Committee of St Mary’s College Society will also join the swimmers for the May morning dip tomorrow at 5am.  To support the volunteers visit: www.justgiving.com/maydip

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The May Dip will take place at 5am on Castle Sands.

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Fiona Armstrong, Press Officer on 01334 462530 / 467227, Mobile: 07730 415 015 or Email: [email protected]
Ref:  May Dip 30/04/09
View the latest University press releases at www.st-andrews.ac.uk