Virginia Ross: Why I support Somerville

5 REASONS WHY I SUPPORT SOMERVILLE Virginia Ross (1966, International Studies)

Virginia Ross, former Head of Finance and Administration for Oxford University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office, explains some of the reasons that she has supported Somerville throughout her life.

A lifelong connection: I felt welcomed and included at Somerville from the moment I arrived in 1966. It’s been wonderful to see the alumni community blossom in the years since, across everything from gaudies to reunions, literary lunches, the London and professional groups, carol concerts and commemoration services. You soon realise that whatever you attend or tune in for, you will always be met with a warm welcome and that there is always someone interesting to meet and talk with.

Securing the future: Alumni have a crucial role to play in helping the college to respond to the challenges – and opportunities – of our unpredictable times, and the pandemic has made this even clearer. The Covid-19 hardship crowdfunding campaign was one way we could help immediately, pitching in what we could spare and supporting those students who have been affected so much by the pandemic.

Reaching out through song: Under the direction of the brilliant Will Dawes, Somerville choir travelled to India in 2018. There they performed to enthusiastic praise at the National Centre for Performing Arts and Mehboob studios, but also joined with local charities Songbound and Karta Initiative to share the joy of music with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Back in Oxford, the choir is one of the leading performers of music by women composers among college choirs in the University. I applaud what Will is doing with this talented, inclusive and forward-thinking group, and am delighted to support them.

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Safeguarding a radical heritage: I have always been drawn to Somerville’s library, which has its origins as a space for women to study when they had no access to the Bodleian. I wanted to help conserve and expand the John Stuart Mill Collection, in a project to ensure this fascinating and unique resource will be available to all in perpetuity. It seems fitting to me that Somerville should hold this invaluable archive; when John Stuart Mill led a second mass petition to Parliament to give women the right to vote in 1868, he asked Mary Somerville to be the first signatory.

Come as you are: My relationship with Somerville has never been about fundraising – it’s been about community and supporting each other. Whether you give money, time, kind words, or simply spend happy hours in excellent company, there are many valuable ways to contribute.