31 May 07

One the UK's leading philanthropists, Dame Vivien Duffield, DBE, has been appointed by the University of Oxford as Chair of a major fundraising initiative for the entire collegiate University which is expected to be launched in 2008.

Dame Vivien will use her extensive philanthropic fundraising experience to help Oxford devise and deliver a strategy to enable it achieve its academic priorities for the future. She has played a pivotal role in numerous successful fundraising campaigns, including for the Royal Opera House, the Wishing Well Appeal for Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the South Bank Centre.

As part of the role she will also Chair an Executive Committee which will advise on prospective individual, trust and corporate donors who can help Oxford achieve its campaign goals. The Committee will work closely with members of the collegiate University, as well as key volunteers outside Oxford and networks across the world.

Dr Jon Dellandrea, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Development and External Affairs), said: 'It is absolutely essential to the success of our fundraising activities that we draw upon the expertise and enthusiasm of individuals with a proven track record in devising and delivering strategies which inspire philanthropic giving. In Dame Vivien Duffield - a long-time friend and supporter of Oxford University - we have the very best person to help us plan for and achieve our aspirations.'

Dame Vivien Duffield said: 'I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the new fundraising initiative for Oxford University which will be launched next year.

'My connections with Oxford date from my days as an undergraduate at Lady Margaret Hall and I have been closely connected with many of the city's key educational and cultural institutions including the Ashmolean and the Saïd Business School. I look forward to the challenge of the campaign of support for this great university which will I hope will enable it to achieve its academic goals for the future.'

Recruitment for other members of the Executive Committee is ongoing.