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The Society of Malaŵi Journal

sought his academic advice or simply came to know him. It can also be seen through
the Chancellor College’s history department, the early success of which can be
attributed to the contribution of George Shepperson. His passing marks the end of an
era in the sense that he is the last of the four eminent pioneers and advocates of
African history as a serious academic field in its own right, leading to its growth in the
12
United Kingdom and internationally.

Owen J. M. Kalinga is Emeritus Professor of History, North Carolina State
University.

Archive Images No: 6

#
In 2002, the Malawi High Commissioner, London, the Hon. Bright Msaka
presented George ‘Sam’ Shepperson with the degree of D. Litt, honoris causa, on
behalf of the University of Malawi in recognition of his outstanding contributions
as a pre-eminent Africanist and African (most notably Malawi) historian for
over half-a-century. Serving with a Nyasa battalion of the King’s African Rifles
in the Burmese jungles during WWII, Shepperson became a fluent speaker of
Chinyanja and developed a deep and abiding love and respect for what became
Malawi, Malawians and Malawi’s colourful history. He was ever a strong
advocate for Malawi’s independence. Present at the ceremony were the Malawi
Honorary Consul, Scotland, Colin Cameron and David Stuart-Mogg at whose
home the award took place.

12 The three others are Roland A. Oliver (London, SOAS), John D. Fage (Ghana, London-SOAS, and
Birmingham), both of whom were appointed specifically to African history positions, the first such lecturerships in
the UK; John D Hargreaves (Fourah Bay and Aberdeen). Perhaps I could add George N Sanderson (Khartoum and
London-Royal Holloway).

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