Exeter College has now formally opened its 'third quadrangle' – an inspiring new teaching and living space located in the heart of Oxford. Cohen Quad will transform the college in its provision of 90 additional student study bedrooms, teaching and performance spaces, and a social and learning hub known as the Learning Commons.
Official opening celebrations for the quadrangle took place at the weekend, and provided an opportunity for the college to personally thank donors for their support. In total, 4,662 alumni and friends gave £46 million towards the Exeter Excelling campaign – £18 million of which was directed towards Cohen Quad.
A hub for social learning
The new campus, which opened to students in January, was designed by London-based Alison Brooks Architects. Alison's design is a reinterpretation of the traditional quadrangle, with the Learning Commons at its heart. Facilities include teaching and seminar rooms, archive storage, a reading room, multi-purpose auditorium and café.
The quadrangle also provides 90 new student study bedrooms alongside the teaching spaces, just as in a traditional college quad. These new rooms enable Exeter to guarantee up to three years' accommodation for their undergraduate students – significantly reducing the living costs associated with university education, and enhancing the concept of a collegiate education for which Oxford is renowned.
Cohen Quadrangle is named in memory of the parents of Exeter alumnus Sir Ronald Cohen, lead donor to the new quad. Speaking at the weekend, Sir Ronald said: 'I am lucky that I can help future generations of Exeter College students to live in a collegiate environment where their minds are best nurtured and inspired.'
Excelling Exeter campaign success
Cohen Quadrangle is the epitome Exeter's ten-year fundraising campaign Exeter Excelling, which was launched in 2006 ahead of the college's 700th anniversary in 2014. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, over £46 million has been raised towards the campaign, with additional pledges received in the last month bringing the total to more than £50 million.
In addition to the new quad, this support has enabled the college to secure a portfolio of scholarships for postgraduate students, achieve endowment funding for five key fellowships, and develop a generous bursary fund for students in financial need. With these gifts, Exeter can continue to offer tutorials between undergraduates and leading academics, whilst ensuring that current and future generations of students are able to make the most out of the opportunities offered to them.
Director of Development, Katrina Hancock, says: 'Through the generosity of our alumni and friends, coming to study at Oxford is now substantially more affordable, and we are able to guarantee that the education that they receive will continue to challenge, inspire and enable them to be all that they might become.'