Statue springs to life for hillsdale college students
Andrew Harrison
Issue date: 9/17/09 Section: Down the Hill
A small contingent of Hillsdale College students and professors traveled to the British House of Lords in June to have tea and a talk with former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
After many weeks spent at the University of Oxford studying Shakespeare as part of the Oxford Study Abroad Program, visiting English professor James Juroe nonchalantly informed his students of the scheduled visit.
"We were told there would be an important event sometime over the summer and to keep our schedules cleared for it," said Brian Keske, a junior. "But we didn't expect we would be meeting Margaret Thatcher."
Arriving at the House of Lords, the Hillsdale group was instructed to wait in the entrance hall. They expected to be led to a room in which Baroness Thatcher would be waiting. But then, the Iron Lady appeared and approached them.
"We couldn't believe she came out to us," said senior Sarah Howard. Greetings were exchanged, and two square tables were pulled together.
"She was incredibly gracious, unassuming, and humble," Howard said.
The students spent about an hour drinking tea with the 83 year-old former Leader of Britain's Conservative Party. Thatcher asked many questions and spoke fondly of her experiences at Oxford.
Howard said between sips they compared the US and British schools systems and listened to Thatcher describe her friendship with Ronald Reagan.
An amusing moment arose when Juroe asked Thatcher to sign a photo he brought of himself standing next to her statue at Hillsdale College, Keske said.
Thatcher's reluctance to sign the photo was unclear to the students at first, but they quickly realized Thatcher was hesitant because the only suitable place for a signature happened to be across her thigh.
Thatcher eventually found a small space at the bottom of the photo and signed her name.
The moment was lighthearted, they said, and characteristic of the quiet dignity often associated with Margaret Thatcher.
Thatcher personally guided the group on a tour through the House of Lords to end the visit.
The Baroness then withdrew herself from the company, leaving the Hillsdale contingency with an experience they said they will not forget soon.
"It was an unreal experience," Keske concluded. "It was like reading a history book, but then suddenly the figure comes to life before you and walks through the door."
After many weeks spent at the University of Oxford studying Shakespeare as part of the Oxford Study Abroad Program, visiting English professor James Juroe nonchalantly informed his students of the scheduled visit.
"We were told there would be an important event sometime over the summer and to keep our schedules cleared for it," said Brian Keske, a junior. "But we didn't expect we would be meeting Margaret Thatcher."
Arriving at the House of Lords, the Hillsdale group was instructed to wait in the entrance hall. They expected to be led to a room in which Baroness Thatcher would be waiting. But then, the Iron Lady appeared and approached them.
"We couldn't believe she came out to us," said senior Sarah Howard. Greetings were exchanged, and two square tables were pulled together.
"She was incredibly gracious, unassuming, and humble," Howard said.
The students spent about an hour drinking tea with the 83 year-old former Leader of Britain's Conservative Party. Thatcher asked many questions and spoke fondly of her experiences at Oxford.
Howard said between sips they compared the US and British schools systems and listened to Thatcher describe her friendship with Ronald Reagan.
An amusing moment arose when Juroe asked Thatcher to sign a photo he brought of himself standing next to her statue at Hillsdale College, Keske said.
Thatcher's reluctance to sign the photo was unclear to the students at first, but they quickly realized Thatcher was hesitant because the only suitable place for a signature happened to be across her thigh.
Thatcher eventually found a small space at the bottom of the photo and signed her name.
The moment was lighthearted, they said, and characteristic of the quiet dignity often associated with Margaret Thatcher.
Thatcher personally guided the group on a tour through the House of Lords to end the visit.
The Baroness then withdrew herself from the company, leaving the Hillsdale contingency with an experience they said they will not forget soon.
"It was an unreal experience," Keske concluded. "It was like reading a history book, but then suddenly the figure comes to life before you and walks through the door."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
JDaniel
posted 9/21/09 @ 7:23 PM EST
Ha! Great story about a unique encounter with the IRON LADY, long may she reign!
Jack D
Jack D
posted 9/21/09 @ 7:33 PM EST
students meet Thatcher for tea!? Good story...wish I had been there
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