The first ever event hosted by the newly created Swiss Friends of Oxford University (SFOU) saw Swiss supporters and friends gather on the eve of the 2018 World Economic Forum. The reception took place in Zurich and was hosted by Howard Rosen CBE, SFOU President and alumnus of Exeter College.
Welcoming the guests, Howard Rosen explained the significant tax benefits gained by donors giving to Oxford through SFOU. He added: 'We're not a fundraising organisation, nor a social club, but we are all friends, and we intend to have regular events.'
The evening was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson, who thanked Howard Rosen and the SFOU Board for their support and commitment to encouraging more donors based in Switzerland to support the University and its colleges.
The Vice-Chancellor spoke about the close links between Switzerland and Oxford, the positive impact of the University on the global economy, and Oxford's world-class contribution to research and education.
The new association helps supporters in Switzerland to make tax-efficient donations to the University and its colleges for capital projects, academic posts, scholarships and research programmes. It can accept gifts in kind and legacies, with no Swiss gift tax due. Membership fees of the association will be used in part to provide financial support for Swiss resident students through a scholarship fund.
To find out more about Swiss Friends of Oxford University, how to join the association, and future events, please visit the SFOU website or send an e-mail.