The Johnian Society is run by a committee of Johnians for the benefit of the wider community.
The Johnian Society facilitates and enhances relationships between members of the College, especially those no longer in residence, and supports the life and future development of the College. Our mission is to act as a forum for the wider body of Johnians and to maintain the spirit of collegiality that is fostered during University years.
The Society does not regard itself as having a fundraising role on behalf of the College but believes that its existence and activities contribute to the substantial goodwill towards St John’s that has resulted in the College’s outstanding success in its fundraising activities.
The activities of the Society include an annual dinner and lecture in College in September, a golf competition and a number of other informal events.
The Development Office typically communicates with alumni on the Society’s behalf.
About the Johnian Society
The Johnian Society was founded in 1923 at a reunion of old members of the College under the Chairmanship of the late Sir Edward Marshall Hall, KC, as a means of maintaining a link with the College and with each other. It also aims to assist the College in other ways, such as through the financing of travel exhibitions for resident members of St John’s.
All Johnians are welcome to join the Society. Members of the Society may be invited to join the Committee to serve for a period of six years.
Our objectives:
- Maintain and foster relationships formed between Johnians during their time at College by organising events in Cambridge and elsewhere.
- Inform and facilitate contact between members of the Johnian community.
- Enable Johnian participation in the current life and work of the College.
- Represent the voice of its members to the College when the need arises.
Benefits to members:
- The opportunity to stay connected to the College and to other Johnians. This enables you to make a real difference by participating in the life and development of the College.
- Representation, via Committee members on the College’s Development Committee and more widely via a strong relationship between the Committee and the College.
- Access to Society events.
- Supporting current students through bursaries and travel exhibitions.
All members of St John’s College, Cambridge, will have an optional payment of £20 (if they are junior members) or £30 (if they are senior members) added to their bill on admission to the College. This fee acts as a subscription for life membership of the Society. Alumni who are not already members of the Society may join for a fee of £30. Please contact the Development Office if you wish to check your membership status or pay the joining fee.
The Society welcomes expressions of interest from alumni wanting to join the Committee. The elected term of office is for six years, and the Committee meets three times a year – once in Cambridge and twice in London. Johnian Society Rules are available online. If you are interested in getting involved with the Johnian Society Committee, you can contact Committee members directly, complete an application form, or contact the Development Office.
Each year the Johnian Society awards a number of travel exhibitions to allow students to travel and expand their knowledge of the world. Students write a report about their trip or project, which is submitted to the Committee.
News and events
The latest news and events from the Johnian Society (see also our main events calendar):
Discover the Flavours of the Roux Legacy with Emily Roux
Step inside the world of Michelin-starred dining with an exclusive Johnian Society event at Caractère, Notting Hill.
A Weekend in the Lake District: Celebrating William Wordsworth
The Johnian Society invites you to step into the landscapes that inspired William Wordsworth (1787) and join fellow Johnians for a weekend of walks, talks and celebration in the heart of the Lake District.
Private: Johnian Society Ski Weekend: Alumni Adventure in the Alps
Join St John’s College alumni for a long weekend of skiing, snowboarding and camaraderie in the mountains of Piemonte, Italy.
Modern London’s Storytelling with Data
The Johnian Society would like to invite you to it’s next virtual event. Join us to hear Dr Yi-Jing Li (2008) explore several case studies on urban data storytelling in London.
Johnian Society Day 2025
Johnians of all ages enjoyed Ben Macintyre’s fascinating lecture on espionage, a talent-packed classical concert by current students, and a bubbly reception followed by dinner in Hall.
Johnian Society Day 2024
Johnian Society members and their guests were welcomed back to College for the Johnian Society Day 2024. The day included a lecture on the English wine industry and a dinner in Hall.
