02 Aug 07

Three figures from very different parts of the world have been named as Distinguished Friends of Oxford in recognition of their long-lasting and exceptional volunteer support to Oxford University and its colleges.

The awards were initiated in 1997 and are run by the Oxford University Society, nominations may come from anyone in the University, including academics, staff, students, and alumni. The awards are not restricted to alumni although employees and members of the Chancellor's Court of Benefactors are not eligible. Past recipients have included Lady Heseltine for her work fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, Nicholas de Katzenbach for his work as Chairman of Americans for Oxford, and Thelma Holt, whose efforts established the Cameron Mackintosh Professorship of Contemporary Theatre.

This year David Hopkinson, a Director of the English China Clays group, was nominated for work on the Investment Committee of St Anne's College, Oxford, which due to his careful stewardship over 40 years has brought phenomenal success to the College's endowment.

E Michael Howarth's work as Director of the Canadian Rhodes Trust Scholarship Foundation for 50 years led to his award. Under his tenure 80 Oxford students have been able to pursue postgraduate study in Canada, and due to his strong management of the endowment the scheme has expanded to provide this opportunity for two or three Oxford students each year.

The third award will be made to Professor John White, who has served as Chairman of the Oxford Australia Scholarship Fund since 1996. The Fund provides support for six young Australians to study at Oxford University each year. Forty scholars have been appointed since 1998, and Professor White has worked to secure additional funding for the students and to ensure that they have a continuing relationship with Oxford.

Commenting on the awards, Dr Richard Repp, Chairman of the Oxford University Society, said: 'The Distinguished Friend of Oxford Award is made only very rarely, and all of those who are being honoured this year have made a truly outstanding contribution as volunteers and made a real difference both to the collegiate University and to individuals, particularly students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication to Oxford University.'