St John's College Alumni eNewsletter - November 2024
College News
Daron Acemoğlu awarded 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics
Congratulations to Professor Daron Acemoğlu on being awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2024. Professor Acemoğlu shares the award with Professor James A Robinson and Oxford alumnus, Professor Simon Johnson (Corpus Christi College, PPE, 1984).
Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP named as new Cardinal
The English theologian and Master Emeritus of the Order of Preachers is to be made a cardinal by Pope Francis. Fr Radcliffe is a member of the Dominican Community at Blackfriars, Oxford, a Fellow of Blackfriars Hall and an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College.
Elizabeth Wonnacott awarded funding for new AI Education Hub
Congratulations to Professor Elizabeth Wonnacott and her co-investigators who have been awarded funding from the Social Science Division to establish the AI in Education at Oxford University (AIEOU) Hub.
Professor Joël Ouaknine awarded major ERC Synergy grant
Congratulations to Professor Joël Ouaknine, Scientific Director of the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems (MPI-SWS) in Saarbrücken, on receiving a prestigious European Research Council Synergy Grant.
Remembering the St Brice's Day Massacre
On 13 November, St John's marked the anniversary of the St Brice's Day Massacre of 1002, when King Aethelred II ordered the execution of all Danes living in England. To find out more about the College's ties to that bloody event, watch the President's 2024 Lecture on 'The Mystery Beneath the Quad.'
Halloween Visit from Bainton Road Nursery
On 31 October, St John’s was treated to a Halloween visit from the children and staff of Bainton Road Nursery. Keep up to date with the latest stories from St John's College by following our Instagram.
Anne of Cleves Returns to St John's
The portrait of Anne of Cleves, usually ascribed to Bartholomaeus Bruyn the Elder, returned to St John's this week after starring in a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. On Tuesday 19 November, Dr Georgy Kantor, Keeper of Pictures, hosted a small gathering in the President's Lodgings to mark the return of Anne of Cleves to the St John's art collection.
'Old Boys' Sports Fixtures 2024
On 9 November, the College welcomed back two 'Old Boys' teams to the Sports Ground for their annual fixtures against the current men’s rugby and football teams. The fixtures began with an Act of Remembrance led by alumnus the Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie, and this year’s rugby match marked the ten-year anniversary of SASJRFC’s Cuppers victory in 2014.
News of Great Joy - Christmas from the Choir of St John's College
The Choir of St John’s College, Oxford, directed by David Bannister, have recorded a Christmas album, News of Great Joy. Produced by Resonus Records, it is available to buy and stream now. Click here to find out more.
Calling All Alumni in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!
An alumnus (Nicole Neo from Singapore, PPE, graduated 2020) has just moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a work posting as a diplomat. She will be there from November 2024 to May 2026, and is looking to connect with the alumni community there. If you would like to connect, please email alumni@sjc.ox.ac.uk
Calling All Alumni in Dubai & Saudi Arabia!
Indie Walker (2016, PPE) is embarking on an exciting new chapter, venturing to the Middle East from January 2025 to work in the Tech & Consulting Industry, with a focus on AI. Based primarily in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, she is eager to connect with fellow alumni in the region, seeking friendly faces and offering the same to those who find themselves there. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Indie at georgia.indie.walker@gmail.com
Call for Speakers
MCR Inspirational Speakers - Disability Series
The St John's MCR is looking for alumni who identify as disabled or live with a health condition, to speak about their studies here at St John's, and their career and life following, as part of our Disability Series of talks. The talk would be followed by a short Q&A, if the speaker is comfortable.
The aim of the series is to gain an insight into the speakers lives, to spotlight those whose disability or health condition has positively shaped their life, and to broaden student understanding. We hope this series will facilitate a nuanced conversation around health and disability, both within the context of the University, and further afield.
The call for speakers is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate alumni.
If you would be interested in getting involved in this series or would like further information, please email alumni@sjc.ox.ac.uk.
Alumni Events
Alumni Carol Service - SAVE THE DATE
Saturday 14 December 2024
Friday 21 March 2025
Friday 28 March 2025
Gaudy for the Years 1998-1999 - SAVE THE DATE
Friday 27 June 2025
Gaudy for the Years 2012-2013 - SAVE THE DATE
Friday 4 July 2025
Torrance Society Reunion 2025 - SAVE THE DATE
Friday 3rd October
Alumni Publications
Arms for Russia and the Naval War in the Arctic 1941–1945, Seaforth Publishing, 2024
Dr Andrew Boyd (1970, PPE) reassesses the significance of Western support to Russia in the Second World War with compelling new perspectives on the Arctic convoys and wider Arctic naval war.
Thom Braun's latest historical novel - Mr Hogarth's Morning
Thom Braun (1973, English) presents an alternative interpretation of William Hogarth's famous Covent Garden image within the context of a murder mystery. For more information, see Thom's website thombraun.co.uk
Alumni Guest Room Bookings
Alumni can check availability, book and pay for rooms within Alumni House online. The booking system can be found on the Alumni Benefits page of our website. Rooms for 2025 are now available.
To make a booking, you will need to enter a promotional code to identify yourself as an alumnus/a and this can be found in the monthly e-newsletter.
FAQ’s
Please click here to find answers to frequently asked questions, along with further details about the Alumni Guest Rooms.