Dear Colleague,
We are very sorry to share the sad news that Angela Michael, the University’s Head of Public Affairs, Stakeholder Engagement and Events, passed away peacefully on Sunday night.
Angela had recently returned to work following a period of illness but sadly suffered a relapse and died in hospital with her husband Jamie by her side.
I know this news will come as a great shock to many of you and if you are impacted by this and wish to talk with someone or receive support, I would encourage you to reach out to colleagues. You can also contact the counselling service (counselling@abdn.ac.uk) or the Chaplaincy (chaplaincy@abdn.ac.uk).
Angela joined the University initially in an advisory role for our festivals programme but quickly established herself as an indispensable member of the team and was appointed as Head of Public Affairs, Stakeholder Engagement and Events in January 2020.
An experienced leader, board member and innovator with a successful track record working in lead roles within the arts, cultural, PR, marketing, press, festivals and higher education sectors, Angela was well known across the University and the city.
She had served as a board member for sound, Scotland’s leading festival of new music, since 2014 and supported the development of other cultural events across Aberdeen city and shire including Aberdeen Jazz Festival, the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Wizard Festival, DanceLive, Station House Media Unit and AB+, a member-led organisation set up to collectively drive forward arts and culture in the north-east. Angela played a pivotal role in ensuring the region’s many events worked together to raise the profile of the north-east's offering to wider audiences through her award-winning work with the Festivals Collective and Visit Aberdeen.
Angela’s infectious enthusiasm, connections across the city and track record bringing together stakeholders across many sectors enabled her to drive forward the University’s successful programmes of cultural engagement, including the launch of UNI-Versal, a series of mini-festivals to promote Aberdeen, Scotland, and its stories to local and international audiences.
She made an outstanding contribution felt well beyond the University and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Whatever the topic of discussion, Angela always had an interesting perspective and valuable contribution to make – always delivered thoughtfully and with a smile.
Her passion for the arts and for this region inspired all those around her and will leave a lasting legacy through the many successful cultural events and organisations which owe much to her commitment, dedication and ability to get things done.
Our thoughts are with her husband Jamie, son Seamus and her family and friends at this difficult time. Further information regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course.
Please take the time you need to support each other or to talk about and reflect on a dear colleague who made an outstanding contribution to our University community.
The funeral service is to be held in St Mary’s Cathedral, Huntly Street, Aberdeen, at 11.30 on Tuesday 5th September 2023 thereafter to Hazlehead Cemetery. The family have requested that colour be worn in celebration of her life.
You can donate to the family's JustGiving page, raising money for Cancer Research UK here.
Best wishes
Liza
Liza Boffen-Yordanov
Director of Advancement, Interim Director for Marketing, Communications and PASE