St John's College Alumni eNewsletter - December 2025
Dear Friends,
What an extraordinary Michaelmas term it has been at St John’s! We’ve enjoyed a whirlwind of VIP guests, special events, fabulous exhibitions, and dinners galore.
We welcomed Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton for two remarkable days in November, celebrating her Chair in Women’s History and Fellow of St John's College, Professor Sarah Knott. You’ll find more about this inspiring programme of events below.
The College also marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a series of spectacular celebrations. The Austen family’s close ties to St John’s mean our archives hold an exceptional collection of Austen material – including original letters written by Jane herself. These treasures were on public display in the Kendrew Barn in early December.
This year, I have been especially proud of the strides we have made in student support and welfare. St John’s was ranked top among Oxford Colleges for the quality of our welfare provision, and with a bespoke wellbeing centre included in our masterplan for the College, we are committed to advancing this work - ensuring our students feel cared for and free to stretch themselves without unnecessary burdens. This vital progress is made possible by the generosity of donors who share our belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. I am excited to share more about the masterplan with you in 2026.
Our alumni community continues to inspire me with its generosity. Thank you for all you do for St John's. I hope to welcome many of you back to College soon, and I look forward to meeting friends across North America during my trip in spring next year.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2026,
Sue
Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome
President
Snapshots of College Life: Michaelmas 2025
Celebrating the Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women's History
The Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women’s History was established at Oxford in 2020 to mark the centenary of women being admitted to degrees at the University. Since August 2024, the Chair has been held by Professor Sarah Knott, Fellow at St John’s. We were deeply honoured to welcome Secretary Clinton to College for this celebration.
The series of events, organised in collaboration with the History Faculty and the Centre for Women’s, Gender and Queer Histories, began with Professor Knott’s Inaugural Lecture at Exam Schools, followed by a drinks reception and formal dinner in Hall with Secretary Clinton.
The following day, Professor Knott and her research collaborator, Professor Kirsten Swinth, discussed the politics of care with Secretary Clinton and Ai-jen Poo – a leading labour activist and advocate for domestic and care workers’ rights in the United States. It was inspiring to see so many St John’s students engaging in this vital conversation about caregiving in all its forms, from childcare to elder care.
Secretary Clinton's reflection on the significance of the Chair in Women’s History at Oxford can be listened to here.
The Austens at Oxford
Jane Austen's father, George Austen, was a student and Fellow of the College, and it was here that he likely met Jane’s mother, Cassandra Leigh. Cassandra was descended directly from our Founder, Sir Thomas White, which later enabled her sons (Jane Austen’s brothers) to attend St John’s as ‘Fellows Kin’. Although Jane herself was not able to attend university, she did come to school in Oxford and the city left a lasting impression on her and her work.
To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, the College Archivist Mike Riordan co-curated an exhibition on the ‘Austens at Oxford’ which ran in Kendrew Barn in early December. This special exhibition of eighteenth-century archival materials revealed how the city and University helped shape one of Britain’s most beloved writers. You can read more about the exhibition here.
The College celebrated in true Georgian style with a spectacular evening that brought together students, academics, and staff. Guests enjoyed exquisite silhouette art by Charles Burns, lively dancing with the Georgettes of Oxford, and beautiful harp music from Professor Hannah Skoda – all alongside a Georgian-inspired banquet fit for the occasion!
Oxmas
As Michaelmas term ended, Oxmas cast its luminous charm over St John’s, bringing together the beauty of tradition and the spirit of the season.
Our students celebrated with a wreath-making workshop, organised by Welfare and Wellbeing team. I was extremely impressed by the fruits of their labour, which have been on display on a rather charming Christmas tree on the TW lawn!
The College gathered together for the College Carol Service, which featured traditional congregational carols alongside pieces sung by our talented choir.
In his second mention, Michael Riordan was featured in the BBC’s 'Secret Oxfordshire' series, discussing festive entertainments at St John’s during the Christmas Vacation of 1607. You can find out more and listen here.
Please be aware that the College will be closed between
24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026
Ways to Support St John's College
Find out more about why we need your support