Oxford honours four exceptional friends of the University
Four longstanding supporters of the University of Oxford have been recognised with Distinguished Friend of Oxford Awards, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the life and work of the Collegiate University.
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Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey stands with the recipients of the Distinguished Friends of Oxford award.
The awards were presented by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, FRS, FMedSci, at an event in the Divinity School on Thursday 1 October.
This year’s recipients were Anthi Papadopoulos, Marios Papadopoulos MBE, Lord Powell of Bayswater KCMG, and Sir Paul Ruddock FSA.
The Distinguished Friend of Oxford Award recognises individuals who have acted as exceptional volunteers for the benefit of the Collegiate University, giving their time, expertise and influence to projects and initiatives of significant and enduring value. The first awards were presented in 1998.
Marios and Anthi Papadopoulos were recognised for their contribution to the cultural and educational life of Oxford through their leadership of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
Founded by Marios in 1998, the Orchestra has become a major presence in Oxford’s musical life, bringing internationally renowned musicians to the city and creating opportunities for University students. Through its University Residency programme, generations of students have benefited from masterclasses with leading international musicians, conducting and composition workshops, orchestral apprenticeships and opportunities to perform alongside professional players.
Marios, an internationally acclaimed pianist and conductor, has served as the Orchestra’s Music Director since its foundation. He is a Fellow by Special Election of Keble College and was appointed MBE in 2014 for services to music in Oxford.
Anthi, Chief Operating Officer of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and a Director of Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Productions, has played an indispensable role in the organisation’s growth and success. As Secretary to the Board of Trustees, she carries out her responsibilities with outstanding professionalism and integrity. Her contribution has been fundamental to the Orchestra’s continuing success and development, and to its impact on the University.
Lord Powell of Bayswater was recognised for his longstanding service to Saïd Business School, Somerville College and the Ashmolean Museum. An Oxford alumnus who studied Modern History at New College, graduating in 1963 with first-class honours, he has served as Chairman of the Saïd Business School Foundation since 1995, supporting the school throughout its development.
He is also a Foundation Fellow of Somerville College and a Patron of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust, as well as an Honorary Fellow of the Ashmolean Museum.
Sir Paul Ruddock was honoured for his leadership and support for Mansfield College, the University’s endowment and the arts. An alumnus of Mansfield College, where he studied Jurisprudence and graduated with first-class honours in 1980, Sir Paul chaired Oxford University Endowment Management from 2015 to 2025 and the University’s Investment Committee from 2015 to 2024.
A Bancroft Fellow of Mansfield, he is a longstanding supporter of the College and serves on its Campaign Board. Through the Ruddock Foundation for the Arts, Sir Paul and Lady Jill Ruddock also founded the annual Mansfield–Ruddock Art Prize, which supports emerging artists from Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art. His support for the arts also extends to the Ashmolean Museum.
Professor Irene Tracey CBE FRS FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: 'Throughout its history, the Collegiate University of Oxford has been strengthened by those who share our values and aspirations, and who choose to contribute tirelessly to its life and work.
'Tonight, we honour four exceptional individuals who are true friends of Oxford. Each has forged a distinctive relationship with the University; giving generously of their time, expertise and support. They have shaped Oxford for the better and ensured it maintains its excellence.
'The Distinguished Friend of Oxford Awards are an opportunity to recognise those relationships and all that they have made possible. On behalf of the entire Collegiate University, it is a particular pleasure to celebrate our recipients this evening, and to express our enduring gratitude and deepest admiration.'
The awards were presented at a dinner in the Divinity School attended by recipients, their guests and colleagues from across the Collegiate University.
