Leopold Alexander Pars [known as Alan Pars in academic circles] was born at Whittlesford, Cambs. He won a Foundation Scholarship to study Maths and Physics at Jesus College in 1915, and his long and active association with the College lasted until his death at the age of 89. He was elected a Fellow of the College in 1921, appointed Praelector in 1923, Director of Studies for Mathematics in 1925, Acting Tutor 1940-42 and a became a University Lecturer in Mathematics in 1927. He took his ScD in 1966, following the appearance of his most important publication: 'A Treatise on Analytical Dynamics' (1965). He remained praelector until 1951, and Director of Studies for Mathematics until 1961 when he retired. He was President of Jesus College, 1958 - 1964, and was a founder member of the Department of Applied Mathematics when it was set up in 1959. Never marrying, he lived in College until his death on 28 January 1985.
David Parr matriculated in 1955 to study Mechanical Sciences at Jesus College, where he won the Sir George Nelson Prize for Applied Mechanics. Upon retirement in 1994, he returned to pursue a PhD in Theoretical Physics at Essex University from 1996-2000. In the early 2000s, he began creating art inspired by mathematical elements which he brought to Jesus, such as the Five Regular Solids. The work displays an insistence on superb finishes, and an artist remote from actual construction of the items. David's work is detailed in the book 'Archive' which can be found in the Webb library.