We are looking forward to another year of celebrating our generous donors in 2025. We will be changing the format of our donor events this coming year and are looking forward to welcoming many of you to our 1511 lunch in the summer. Visit johnian.joh.cam.ac.uk to learn more about these events and other ways to get involved with College life.
Donor Day 2024
On a sunny Sunday in May, guests chatted over welcome drinks in the Old Divinity School and Corfield Court before proceeding to Hall for a delicious lunch. As guests sipped coffee and tasted chocolate truffles, the Master welcomed them and recounted examples of Johnian students who have been helped by donors to excel in both academic and extra-curricular activities. Blossom Durr (2022, History of Art) shared her experience of the magic of St John’s and how donations to the College have helped bring that enchantment into the lives of many students.
After lunch, a portion of the group returned to the Old Divinity School to listen to Professor Erwin Reisner (Professor of Energy and Sustainability in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St John’s College), who specialises in renewable energy and sustainable chemistry, namely the solar-powered manufacture of sustainable fuels and platform chemicals. A separate party took a tour of the College grounds with College Gardeners, David Austrin and Zoe Cullen, learning about the beehives in the Fellows’ Garden and the types of soil and planting used across the College. Professor Patrick Boyde (Emeritus Professor of Italian and Fellow of St John’s) led a third group on a fascinating tour of the College portraits, providing real insight into the diverse lives of Johnian alumni and major College contributions. Donor Day came to an end with afternoon tea on the Backs.
To view the full gallery of photos from Donor Day, please visit the photos section of Johnian Hub. If you attended the event, thank you for joining us. To all who have given to St John’s, thank you for your support – your generosity is truly changing lives.
Winter Warmer 2024
In early December, donors returned to College for an intimate a cappella concert. While the weather outside was frightful, guests enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies alongside the full, warm and expressive sound of the Gents of St John’s College.
All photo credits to Dasha Tenditna
