University

20 May 09

Geoffrey Robertson QC chaired a debate at the launch of a new donor recognition society last night

The Vice-Chancellor’s Circle, a new donor recognition society, was launched last night by Dr John Hood, the Vice-Chancellor, in recognition of the generous support of many donors to the collegiate University.

The creation of the new society is part of Oxford Thinking, The Campaign for the University of Oxford, and forms part of a long tradition of donor recognition at Oxford. This includes the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors, established by the late Lord Jenkins (Chancellor, 1987–2003), which has over 155 members.

The evening celebrations at the inaugural meeting of the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle included a private reception and debate over dinner, ‘Poetry is Beautiful, but Science is What Matters’, led by a panel of Oxonian speakers. Speaking in favour of the motion were Professor David Warrell and Professor Irene Tracey and speaking against the motion were Professor John Carey and Mr Michael Symmons Roberts. The debate was chaired by barrister Mr Geoffrey Robertson QC, with comments provided by Sir Simon Jenkins.

During the dinner, Dr Hood thanked the members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle for all that they are doing for Oxford to help build an institution of the twenty-first century and beyond.

He said: ‘We are delighted to recognise our donors’ generous support in this way. Their support helps to strengthen our colleges, divisions, libraries, laboratories, and every centre, society, club and institution that sustains the intellectual life of the University and carries Oxford's vital mission into the future.’

The Vice-Chancellor’s Circle (VCC) has nearly 100 founding members and includes a broad mix of University and college donors, alumni and non-alumni, individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate organisations. Members come from all over the world including North America, Australasia, and the Far East. VCC members are providing gifts in support of Oxford’s Campaign goals, which aim to offer the finest opportunities to the very best students, researchers and scholars from around the world.

Mr Brian Wilson, a founding member of the VCC and donor to Pembroke College, the Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum, said: ‘I am delighted to accept membership of the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle. I regard it as a special privilege to be able to participate in the current programmes of development for the University and my own college.’