Former Bader International Study Centre (BISC) students Sarah Tessier, Artsci’05, and James Dixon, Sc’06, met while studying at Herstmonceux Castle, so it seems natural their time there had a fairy-tale ending.
Ms. Tessier, Artsci’05, and Mr. Dixon, Sc’06, fell in love after meeting at the castle in East Sussex, England in 2004 and were married in 2009. They now live in London, U.K., and are returning with their two children to take part in the BISC’s 25th anniversary celebration from June 29–30.
The 15th-century castle was donated to the university by Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader and opened to Queen’s students in 1994. To honour 25 years of teaching and learning at the BISC, the school is inviting Castle alumni, students, family, and friends to return for a weekend of tours, activities, special guest speakers, and more.
“(Our) kids will be excited to see where Mummy and Daddy met,” says Ms. Tessier. “They are going to like hanging out at a castle.”
She first noticed Mr. Dixon when a group of students went to the Globe Theatre to see Romeo and Juliet. Soon, they began talking while crossing paths in the hallways and eating together in the cafeteria.
“Let’s just say it became obvious to us very quickly that there was something there,” says Ms. Tessier. “We just clicked. He is the loveliest, nicest, kindest person. So by the time we came back to Kingston that summer, we were very much a couple. It is hard to put into words. I just knew he was someone really special who I needed in my life.”
The couple both made lifelong friends while studying at Herstmonceux. The best man and maid of honour at their wedding were BISC classmates.
In addition to meeting her husband and classmates, Ms. Tessier says opportunities she had to learn both in and outside of the classroom made her time at the BISC memorable. In particular, Ms. Tessier says trips across the U.K. and Europe meant what she learned in class was complemented by hands-on experience.
“The in-class and hands-on learning we did at the castle was very special,” says Ms. Tessier.
