Memory Wall

The Department of Social Policy is very saddened to learn of the death of Faye Mooney. Faye graduated with an MSc in Social Policy and Planning in 2015. She was abducted and killed by kidnappers in north-western Nigeria on 19 April 2019, while working for a non-governmental aid agency. (See here.) Tributes point to Faye’s bravery and her belief in a better society, and those characteristics were present when she was at the LSE too. She was passionate about making society better, and she lived by that belief. After first considering a dissertation about homelessness and the localisation of the Social Fund in London (stimulated by an internship with St Mungo’s), she decided after a visit to Iraqi Kurdistan to study whether the western concept of a ‘dependency culture’ was applicable to this context. As Faye’s dissertation supervisor (and seminar class leader for “Social Disadvantage”), I learnt a lot from her and enjoyed wide-ranging conversations. Faye built a wide circle of friends at the LSE over her two years of part-time study. She inspires us all and will be sorely missed.

Stephen Jenkins

Head, Department of Social Policy

Memories shared

Landing in London for my MSc in Social Policy and Planning in 2012 Faye immediately stood out- she was fiercely opinionated, way more clued in about the world than I was and great fun. Thanks to her warm nature and her infectious desire to take the seminar conversations beyond the classroom (often to the George) we became good friends. The debates, nights on the town and later catch ups about her adventures post LSE that followed make for some fantastic memories. Faye was a special soul who managed experience and contribute more in her too short time than most people do with a lot longer. I’ll remember her always.
Kate Laffan

I just wanted to say that I remember having great laughs with Faye during exams revisions (and after classes). She certainly took some stress off us with her enthusiasm and joie de vivre, and made my days at LSE a more light-hearted journey than it would have been without her.
Tanguy Sene

I was in a few seminar classes with Faye at LSE. Although we were not friends or close, I always thought she was intelligent, passionate, caring, funny and fun.
Although it saddens me to think about her death, I believe she will be remembered for the life that she had, the difference that she made, the good that she did and the way that she made people feel. 
My heart goes out to her family, friends and everyone who loved her.
Lisa-Marie Giquel 

Hey Faye! You’re such a boss. Your soul and memory lives on. Will forever remember our heated and passionate debates about social justice, change, making a difference, and all the other random stuff. Peace and love. See you soon.
Alvin Carpio

Dear Faye, 
International students (like I was) sometimes come to the UK with preconceived notions about British students. In a subject, such as Social Policy, where the UK regularly tops university league tables, suffice to say it can be pretty darn intimidating debating equality with British students! Faye completely busted all preconceptions I had with her warmth and genuiness. 'You, are the same as I' was something I instantly felt with Faye and it is a credit to her that she lived and breathed so thoroughly what she did in life. British politics, as you might imagine, can be mind boggling for an international student. But I always felt thay Faye was never afraid to speak up for the truths of equality regardless of the ongoing political power plays in Westminster.
I worked for Faye for Cicero Consulting in the summer of 2013 as a freelance political biography writer. She was awesome. So young, so bright. And with that effervescent red lipstick. I last met her probably in September 2013 in the City to go through some assignments. It was a brilliant summer's day. We talked about work. We laughed and chatted. We hugged and said our goodbyes. 
Faye, I will never forget you. Love you, miss you. And see you again one day.
Melanie Tong

At LSE, I'll remember Faye for being unique, unassuming and bold and for bringing people together.
After LSE, Faye went into international development to help some of the most vulnerable people in the world. As someone from the sector, I can attest to the compassion and bravery it takes to do this and can but join the chorus of thanks to Faye for her immense contribution, sacrifice and inspirational example in helping others.
Thanks Faye, you continue to inspire us.
Neil Gonsalvez