Second Cordukes Visit to YSJ
Last year, the University received a visit from John, Heather and Erin Cordukes who are descendants of Edward Preston Cordukes, the first student ever to register and study at YSJ, starting in 1841. (Link to post of that visit.) This week the Alumni team hosted a follow-up visit from John’s sister Laura and her mother, Barbara. They chose a brilliant sunny September day to tour the campus, stop into the Students’ Union for a cup of tea, visit Fountains to see the register entry of their ancestor, and to meet Vice Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton.
Laura and Barbara loved seeing the campus, and compliments flowed about the beauty of the grounds, the preservation of the University’s heritage, and the newer facilities. There were several poignant moments as Laura and Barbara stood before the Cordukes block, stepped across directional signs on the ground bearing their name, and seeing the register entry from 177 years ago. Thanks to librarian Thomas Peach for making the register available from the Archives and for providing interpretation, and to Vice Chancellor Professor Stanton for welcoming the Cordukes.
Their trip to the UK included three days in York, visiting John’s daughter Erin in Ely where she is teaching, and spending a few days in London before flying home to Ottawa, Canada.
Cordukes family members will always receive a warm welcome at York St. John!
