Catherine Gavin (1907–1999)

Dr. Catherine Gavin was a distinguished Scottish writer and graduate of the University of Aberdeen. Her specialty was French history. She was on the faculty as an assistant in history in 1932-1934 and 1941-1943. During World War II, as a war correspondent, Dr. Gavin was accredited to Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force, and for nine months alternated between combat reporting and covering the complex political situation in Paris. She was present at the German surrender at Rheims in May 1945, and was later decorated for her war efforts with the 1939-1945 Star and the France and Germany Star. Catherine Gavin dedicated her book A Dawn of Splendour (1990), to George MacNicol, the then Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University. Sadly, Dr. Gavin died in 1999. Although in failing health, she made a final visit to the University, from her home in San Francisco, earlier that same year.