Many of Oxford's most outstanding recent benefactors were celebrated at a day of special events held in honour of their generosity.
On Tuesday 11 October, donors from around the world came together for the 28th Annual Meeting of the Chancellor's Court of Benefactors (CCB) – Oxford's most prestigious recognition society. The Court gathers each year to introduce new members and enjoy an exclusive in-depth look at some of the vital work being supported by philanthropy.
Celebrating outstanding generosity
Hosted by the Chancellor, The Rt Hon Lord Patten of Barnes, CH, the day's programme began with the ceremonial admission of new members to the Court. In an encouraging demonstration of support for Oxford, a record number of donors were admitted this year. Five members were also recognised with the additional honour of CCB Fellowship, in light of their tremendous generosity to the University and its colleges.
Following the ceremony, an unveiling celebration was also held for the donors whose names have recently been engraved onto the slate tablets under the Clarendon Arch. The Arch records the names of some of the University's most prominent benefactors, dating all the way back to Sir Thomas Bodley and King James I.
From conservation to conversation
As well as celebrating the outstanding generosity of current members, the annual meeting also allows donors to gain a greater understanding of the life and work of the University and its colleges.
At this year's event, members were invited to go behind-the-scenes at the new Beecroft Building, a state-of-the-art physics facility for theorists and experimentalists. There was also a hands-on tour of the conservation studio in the Weston Library, allowing members to see how Oxford preserves some of the world's most precious manuscripts.
Court members also had the opportunity to participate in wide-ranging discussions with academics and University leaders about Oxford's future, as well as areas of global concern. Topics included childhood poverty; efforts in immunology to stem the spread of disease; and how the changing ways in which we look at history have an impact on the 21st century.
The celebrations culminated in a gala dinner at Rhodes House, enabling members to meet with a wide range of Oxford scholars, as well as to reconnect with one another.
Find out more about the Chancellor's Court of Benefactors, the Clarendon Arch and CCB Fellowship.
