Prof Skelton joins the ranks of the Distinguished Old Rhodians

Professor Paul Skelton was one of five Distinguished Old Rhodians who received awards from Rhodes University on Saturday 25 August.

"The ceremony was a chance to catch up with some old friends and colleagues, and to reflect on Rhodes and the people and events that make it special for me," Prof Skelton said after the ceremony.

Prof Skelton receives the Distinguished Old Rhodian award.		Prof Skelton is regarded by his peers as one of the most dedicated and effective campaigners for the conservation of freshwater fishes.

A life-long interest in Ichthyology takes root

The young Skelton arrived at Rhodes University in 1967 for his BSc, and subsequently continued to do his Honours, Masters and Doctoral degrees.

"My interest in Ichthyology is rooted in two individuals - Prof Brian Allanson and Dr Rex Jubb," he says. "Prof Allanson was the first of my lecturers when I arrived at Rhodes (he presented the 'Cell Biology 101' course in those days). What I remember above everything else was the lexicon of biology, something I had never before experienced and it left me feeling rather 'naked and cold' (i.e. uncomfortable in the extreme). This was exacerbated by the fact that my hearing was so bad I did not actually have a clue what all those big words were, never mind how they were spelt! It was catch-up all the way from there."

Prof Skelton shares memories of some of his experiences in the company of Prof Allanson. "I recall a mix of experiences like going to Lake Sibaya on more than one occasion - and having some typical student mishaps en route (like leaving researchers stranded in the lake when piloting the boat that was towing them on diving surveys of the inshore habitats!)."

He continues, "I always felt the wind of support from Prof Allanson at my back - and for this I am deeply grateful and appreciative. I do believe that his own strong sense of values, including courage (to face tough issues and situations), vision (to know where one is going and what it will take to get there), and belief (in doing what is right for the right reasons) is what institutional leadership is all about."

Dr Rex Jubb, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Rhodes in 1970, was the one who introduced Prof Skelton to Systematic Ichthyology. "Although Rex Jubb was the one who mentored me, there were other individuals who also had a considerable impact in my life - my lecturers and supervisors, Drs Tom Fraser and Rick Winterbottom and Professor Mike Bruton, who was a great thinker and an inspiration," he says.

Prof Skelton took over from Prof Mike Bruton as Director of the JLB Institute of Ichthyology in 1994, and continued as Managing Director in 1999 when it became a national research facility under the National Research Foundation (NRF) as the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). Although he retired in 2011, Prof Skelton still lectures and supervises students at SAIAB and at the university.

Prof Skelton is one of the founding members of the Freshwater Fish Specialist Group and is currently the regional Vice-Chair for Southern Africa. He has worked closely with the IUCN Species Survival Commission over the last six years to lead the freshwater biodiversity assessment of Southern Africa.

Distinguished Old Rhodian award

The Distinguished Old Rhodian award recognises Old Rhodians who, through their individual actions and achievements, have enhanced the reputation of the university. Professor Alan Whitfield, together with Penny Haworth from SAIAB, nominated Prof Skelton for the award. According to Prof Whitfield, Prof Skelton has guided and grown the Institute through its transition from a Declared Cultural Institution under the Department of National Education into a national facility in the Department of Science and Technology.

The Award is also intended to acknowledge Old Rhodians as role models and in Prof Skelton's case he has been an exemplary role model to staff and students at both SAIAB and Rhodes, and is also a highly respected member of the wider Grahamstown community.

Dr William Darwell, one of the motivators for the award, said he considered Prof Skelton to be "one of the most dedicated and effective campaigners for the conservation of freshwater fishes".

By Nonceba Mhlauli, Intern, SAIAB