Photo by John Cairns.
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DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT by Sara Kalim
e are always deeply grateful for the philanthropic support we receive from our community and friends – but never more so than amidst the tempestuous conditions of 2020.
Shortly thereafter, we had a magnificent opener to the 140th anniversary year of the establishment of Somerville. Our birthday book, taking us on a journey of the college history through its objects, was launched at a wonderful birthday celebration in October 2019, when our Vice-Chancellor, Prof Louise It is thanks to the strength and Richardson, joined us to hear from steadfast loyalty of the Somerville community of donors that the college eminent and well-loved alumnae including Shirley Williams and Esther has been able to weather the storm Rantzen, as well as readings from of Covid-19 into which we were thrown just over halfway through the Mary Somerville’s letters by actress, academic year. We cannot thank you Lesley Manville. Then there was enough for your unfailing loyalty and the cake! With its tribute to the tiles kindness, which continued even as the of Green Hall, the Nobel Medal of Dorothy Hodgkin and the beloved world descended into uncertainty. Basil Champneys façade of the library, it really was a triumph of both To say that 2019-20 was a year of two halves has become a cliché – but, style and substance! like many cliches, it is founded in There was a memorable trip to truth. Amongst the real highlights India in December of that year, of the first half of the year had to a trip on which we saw many of be the September Family day when our Somervillians doing a range we welcomed 400 alumni and their of interesting work from Delhi to children to enjoy an afternoon Mumbai, and we were honoured of fun and learning on the quad, to be hosted by the British High made possible by the generosity Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic of Sîan Thomas Marshall (1989 Asquith at his residence. Addressing Human Sciences), a member of the a roomful of Somervillians, he Somerville Development Board. reminded us of his own links to our
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college – with his sister and aunt both “ours”. He also enthralled us with the story of Cornelia Sorabji (in whose name we have established graduate law scholarships for Indian students supported by many of India’s most eminent legal minds) and her reading of Tennyson’s ‘Crossing the Bar’ at the poet laureate’s own funeral. The Principal signed an exciting gift agreement for the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, marking a new partnership with agribusiness, UPL in Mumbai, more of which can be read on p14.
At the start of this academic year, we launched the Covid Hardship Fund to mitigate the lasting effects of 2020. Another significant milestone for our fundraising efforts was the closing of the campaign to fund our new Dorothy Hodgkin Career Development Fellowship, which so many of you have supported and encouraged. Establishing this new post to support an outstanding woman scientist is all part of
