Helen Arnold retired in May 2025 after more than three decades at Selwyn. She first joined the college in 1995 as a bedder, and in 2000 became, so far as we know, the first woman to serve as a porter at Cambridge. Her appointment was featured in the very first edition of this magazine (pictured inset above). Over 25 years in the Porters’ Lodge, Helen became a much-valued presence for generations of students and staff alike. On her final day, the college marked the occasion with a staff garden party — and Helen had the honour of leading a group of graduands in procession to the Senate House (pictured inset below).