The University was saddened to hear the many news reports this weekend on the death of WBS student Linda Norgrove.

Those reports indicated that Linda studied and researched at a number of universities starting at the University of Aberdeen where she gained a first class honours degree in tropical environmental science. She also: spent a year at the University of Oregon, as part of a student exchange programme; graduated from the University of London with a distinction in a masters degree in rural resources and environmental policy; carried out postgraduate research at the University of Chiapas in Southern Mexico; and undertook a PhD in the field of development policy and management at the University of Manchester.

She had almost completed her WBS Distance Learning MBA, and had been serving as an aid worker in Afghanistan. She was taken as a hostage in September and was killed in the course of a rescue attempt on Friday 8 October.

Warwick's Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift said:

"We have lost a member of our community who epitomised all that is best about Warwick students. She was an outstandingly intelligent young woman who did not simply consider the problems faced by the people of our world’s most troubled places, but instead gave of herself to help meet the needs of the people facing such challenges. Our thoughts are with all her family, friends and colleagues who are mourning the loss of such an inspiring and dedicated woman."

Professor Mark Taylor, Dean of Warwick Business School, said:

"Linda was a wonderful individual who contributed so much to the world. She had so much more to give, and we are deeply saddened at her loss, but we are proud that Linda was part of our community and we will not forget her."