St John's College Alumni eNewsletter - August 2026
Dear Friends,
As Trinity Term drew to a close, the St John's Commemoration Ball provided a fitting finale to another busy and memorable academic year. One alumnus aptly described the occasion as a 'kaleidoscopic mélange of splendour', and it was a particular pleasure to share the celebrations with so many of you. I was equally delighted to see many of the Ball's survivors at brunch in St Giles House the following morning (although I am pleased to report that no one appeared still wearing their white tie).
There was the usual calm in the weeks that followed as students departed for the summer, joining the ever-growing community of St John's alumni. While we are always sorry to bid farewell to those completing their studies, we know that their connection with the College will endure, and we look forward to welcoming them back at another opportunity soon.
Earlier this month, the College was very sad to learn of the death of the distinguished philosopher Sir Anthony Kenny, Emeritus Fellow of St John’s and formerly Warden of Rhodes House and Master of Balliol College, at the age of 95. You can read more about Sir Anthony Kenny below.
As the College prepares for the start of a new academic year, we are looking forward to another exciting visit to North America in early September. Accompanied by our new Director of Development, Caroline, and Deputy Development Director, Kristina, I will be meeting alumni and friends in Toronto, Boston and New York. The dates of our visit and event registration links can be found on our website. It would be wonderful to see as many of you as possible during our visit!
All best wishes,
Sue
Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome
President
News from our Alumni
The achievements of our alumni continue to be a source of immense pride, reflecting the talent, commitment and ambition that characterise the St John's community. Honorary Fellow Sir Chris Wormald KCB (1987, History) has recently been nominated for a crossbench peerage in the House of Lords. Sir Chris served as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service between December 2024 and February 2026 under Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government.
The Rt Hon Lord Justice Mark Warby (1977, Jurisprudence) was appointed President of the King’s Bench Division, following the retirement of Dame Victoria Sharp DBE. Sir Mark served as the Vice Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission between 2023 and 2026. We wish him every success in this distinguished appointment.
Our warmest congratulations go out to Honorary Fellow, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP (1980, PPE), on being appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new cabinet. I look forward to discussing 'being a woman in an era of political backlash' with Dame Angela at the 10th anniversary celebration of the St John's Women's Network on 19 September. We will be joined by many of our wonderful alumnae for this workshop and hope to see lots of you there to mark this wonderful milestone for the Network.
The Inspire Programme
Over three weeks in late July and early August, the Access and Outreach Team welcomed over 350 students taking part in the Inspire Programme for their annual Summer Schools. Students between the ages of 14–17 stayed overnight at St John's, taking part in a range of academic workshops as well as enjoying activities such as punting, a formal dinner in Hall, and a murder mystery game around the College site. Students told us that their highlights were learning new skills, making new friends; and sampling the food!
Oxford Open Doors 2026
We will once again be welcoming thousands of visitors of all ages for Oxford Open Doors between 12 and 13 September, hosting a mix of tours, exhibitions, live music and storytelling, as well as refreshments in our dining hall. The events are free to attend, and full details of our programme can be found here.
Sir Anthony Kenny Kt. DPhil DLitt Hon. DCL FBA
Sir Anthony Kenny was a Professorial Fellow of St John’s College from 1989 to 1999 whilst Warden of Rhodes House. He was previously Tutorial Fellow in Philosophy (1964–78) at Balliol and subsequently Master (1978–89). He was also President of the British Academy (1989–93) and both Pro-Vice Chancellor (1984–2001) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Development (1999–2001) at Oxford University. Sir Anthony was made a Knight Bachelor in 1992 and was an Honorary Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn since 1999. Details of his funeral and memorial celebration will be added to our website when available.
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