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 Johnʹs 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. If you are interested in getting involved with the Johnian Society Committee, you can reach out to Committee members directly using Johnian Hub, or you can contact the Development Office, who can put you in touch.
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):
Johnian Society Golf Programme 2024
The Johnian Society Golf agenda is out. Take a look at it and join fellow Johnians for some intercollegiate golf competition.
Johnian Society Centenary 2023
Johnian Society members and their guests were welcomed back to College for the Johnian Society Centenary Weekend. The Saturday celebrations included afternoon tea and champagne before sessions, welcome drinks and dinner in Hall, and Sunday featured a Garden Party.
