Charles Sturt University (CSU), its staff, students and alumni mourn the recent death of former Chair of the Council of Orange Agricultural College, Mrs Beryl Ingold, AO, MBE, on Thursday 7 April.

 

As Chair of the Council of Orange Agricultural College, Mrs Ingold nurtured the development and growth of the College during its highly successful years, 1984 to 1989. She then continued in the role as a member of the Council until 2005.

 

Mrs Ingold was a farmer from Cootamundra, NSW who has served on many State committees for the advancement of agriculture, education, women and the community. Born in Sydney on 4 March 1927, she was educated at Cootamundra and awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons), Agriculture from the Riverina Murray Institute of Higher Education (a predecessor institution of CSU) and an honorary doctorate from the University of New England.

 

She was a life member of the Country Women's Association, patron of NSW Rural Youth since 1990, and member of the Riverina TAFE Advisory Council.

 

'Ingold House' on the Orange Campus of CSU was named in recognition of Mrs Ingold’s enormous contribution to the advancement of higher education, women and rural young people.

 

Head of Orange Campus, Professor Kevin Parton paid tribute to Mrs Ingold, stating she will be remembered as a warm-hearted person, keen to assist anyone with a problem. Her sharp mind, quick wit and precise use of English made her a great colleague for some and a worthy opponent for others. Whichever side you were on, the conversation was challenging and rewarding, and she was always a joy to be with.

 

Exemplifying Mrs Ingold's commitment to the importance of education in rural Australia, she commented on becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2001, "As rural citizens and producers, if we don't continue to learn, we've lost it.  Never stop learning: that's my advice".