The Johnian Blog

Between April 2025 and March 2026, more than 1,000 Johnians raised £2 million for Dobson Free Places, unlocking another £2 million in matched funding.

The LMBC Bicentenary Campaign surpassed its fundraising goal raising over £820,000 to transform the boathouse. This achievement is a testament to the generosity and enthusiasm of Maggie crews and supporters past and present.

Keith Barron (1968) and Evangeline Dillon (2023) first connected through the 2025 Telethon over the phone. Keith describes the connection they made spanning generations.  

Thanks to the generosity of two friends of St John’s, Jane and David Hughes, Bishop Fisher’s hand has been carefully restored, reconnecting us with the College’s remarkable heritage. 

Legacy supporters were warmly thanked at the Beaufort Society's annual event on Saturday 11 October with lunch, lecture, a visit to the Old Library, and Evensong in College. 

For the past 18 years, the Telethon has brought together Johnians from across generations, offering a glimpse into the diversity of our College community.  This September, our team of student callers spoke with 640 alumni worldwide, discussing student life from supervisions to sports clubs.  

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of Johnians and friends, the Professor Sir Christopher Dobson PhD Scholarship has reached its endowment target of £1.9 million, ensuring that outstanding scientists from anywhere in the world can pursue doctoral study at St John’s in perpetuity.  

We welcomed supporters and friends of the College on Wednesday 24 September to Lambeth Palace in London for the Dobson Free Places Drinks Reception.

A new Economics residential for A-level and equivalent students funded by Bob Parker (1970, Economics) of the St John’s Development Board was a resounding success this September.