On 5th March, Prof John Milton Brown (NH '59), had a plaque commemorating his life and contribution to science dedicated in Chapel. Professor Brown was not only one this country's leading scientists, but was also, in best Newick traditions, a keen sportsman. Coming from an impressive family, (his father won a gold and silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics), Professor Brown played for the XV as well as rowing for the 1st VIII. Even into his 60s at Exeter College, he was renowned for being the fittest member of the College.

However, it is for his scientific exploits that he will be most remembered. Alongside Professor Alan Carrington, who addressed the congragation in Chapel, he, according to the Royal Society for Chemistry, was "distinguished for his work on the spectroscopy of gas-phase free radicals, for the development of new experimental methods of high-resolution spectroscopy." John himself was elected to the Royal Society in 2003.

The lunch and service was attended by Guy Mitchell and Fred Nesbitt (Head and Deputy Head of House) as well as Mr Llewellyn, who were all impressed by the warnth and high regard he was held in by his family and peers. He was a man who not only dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, but also to passing on that knowledge to future generations.

His plaque now stands on the south-western corner inside Chapel.