St John's College Alumni eNewsletter - October 2023
Oxford University is the world's top university for a record eighth year
The University of Oxford has once again topped the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as the best university in the world for a record eighth consecutive year. The rankings rate 1,904 universities from 108 countries around the world.
Oxford's ranking was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey, who said:
I am absolutely thrilled that Oxford has been once again named the top university in the world. Eight years of leading the Times Higher Education world rankings is a testament to the impactful research we conduct that tackles some of the grand challenges facing people and the planet as well as the exceptional standards of teaching we deliver that will continue to inspire generations to come. I am filled with admiration for my colleagues and gratitude for all their efforts that propel this unique institution forwards."
College Events
Pollution Pods is an innovative installation by artist Michael Pinsky designed to raise awareness about air pollution and its impact on human health. The enclosed structures simulate various polluted environments, allowing visitors to experience the air quality of different cities around the world.
Date: Saturday 21 October - Sunday 5 November 2023
Time: Monday to Friday 1-5pm Saturday to Sunday 10-5pm
Location: Front Quad, St John's College
We are delighted to announce that this year's Black History Month Lecture will be given by Professor Hakim Adi. Professor Adi's lecture will explore themes raised in his book African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History (Allen Lane, 2022) which was recently shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2023. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception.
Date: Thursday 26 October
Time: 5pm
Location: Auditorium, St John's
College News
Congratulations to all who graduated in September! We hope you had a wonderful day. Good luck with your next adventure, and remember to keep in contact with the St John's community.
The Access Team share their autumn update about everything they've been up to during the summer vacation and what is to come in Michaelmas Term 2023.
2023 Recognition of Distinction awards
Congratulations to Heather Bouman (Professor of Biogeochemistry) and Stefan Kiefer (Professor of Computer Science) who have been recognised in this year's Recognition of Distinction awards.
Sir Ivan Magill Gold Medal awarded to Professor Pandit
The Association of Anaesthetists has awarded Professor Jaideep Pandit its most prestigious honour. He becomes the 8th recipient of the Medal in the Association's 90-year history.
Alumni News
Calling Manchester based alumni
John Schultz (1970, Geography) chairs the Manchester group of the Oxford Society. The group arranges many events including younger alumni socials, lectures by Oxford academics and visits to places of cultural interest. All St John's alumni who live in the Greater Manchester area are very welcome to join the group! For more information email John.
Information about other Oxford alumni groups can be found here.
The Nativity and Infancy of Jesus
Robert Wilson (1962, English) warmly invites you to view an exhibition of 17th and 18th century engravings and etchings presenting events surrounding the birth and early life of Jesus. A reception and open evening will be held at All Saints' Church, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire at 6pm on Friday 8 December. To RSVP please email Robert.
Alumni Events
Donald Russell Memorial Lecture
Thursday 19 October 2023
Alumni Carol Service - SAVE THE DATE
Saturday 9 December 2023
Friday 15 March 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
Professor Carolyne Larrington's Retirement Dinner - SAVE THE DATE
Friday 5 April 2024
Friday 21 June 2024
Friday 28 June 2024
President's Lunch - SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday 3 July 2024
Memorial for David Barchard
On behalf of the friends and family of David Barchard (1965, Modern History and Languages) please find details below on his memorial event.
David Barchard was a remarkably interesting man, and in order to reflect his broad interests the event will open with a consideration of Byzantium which anchored his scholarly endeavour through his studies at Oxford. The event will then move to Anglo-Ottoman relations and finally his great interest in the Republic of Turkey and relations between Turkey and Europe. Speakers include Sir Dominick Chilcott, Professor Ken Dark and Sir Keiran Prendergast.
Date: Thursday 2 November 2023
Time: 2-6pm
Location: King's College London, Strand Campus, Council Room (K2.29)
Alumni Publications
His Honour Robert Taylor (1957, Jurisprudence)
The North Eastern Circuit 1876-2022: A Selective History (North Eastern Circuit, 2022)
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.
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.
Alumni Common Room - Opening Times
Just a reminder that the opening times for the Alumni Common Room are:
Monday to Friday: 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-5pm
To gain entry please ring the bell for the office.
Please note that the Alumni Common Room is closed at weekends, on Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year.