Photo: Nigel Luckhurst

Peter Goddard (right), Master of St John's College and Professor of Theoretical Physics, received on behalf of the Centre for Mathematical Sciences a historic silver salver, presented by Peter Clark (left), President of the Institute of Actuaries and Chief Actuary of AXA Sun Life Services plc. The presentation on Tuesday 30 April 2002 honoured the close links between Cambridge mathematics and the actuarial profession.

The original recipient of the salver was Thomas Sprague, a student of mathematics at St John's College who became Chief Actuary of Equity and Law. His professional colleagues dedicated it to him when he moved to Scotland in 1873. He later became President of both the Institute of Actuaries in London and the Faculty of Actuaries in Edinburgh - a unique achievement.

The salver eventually came into the possession of AXA Sun Life. Through the good offices of Hugh Stewart (St John's 1947, Mathematics), the company kindly agreed to give it to the Centre, where it is intended to go on permanent display.