The Johnian Blog

As the curtain closes on another fantastic year of rowing here in Cambridge, it is my pleasure to bring you the highly anticipated May Bumps report of 2026.

A group of Johnian alumni enjoyed a cooking demonstration at Caractère, Emily Roux’s Michelin starred restaurant in Notting Hill this month.

24 Hours in the Kill Zone won the digital news category at the 2026 Royal Television Society Awards. The full-length film by journalist John Sparks (1994) premiered on YouTube where it has gained more than 1.7 million views

A group of more than 30 Johnians met up for an evening of drinking at the historic The Travellers' Club in Paris this month.

The Johnian historian and former journalist was appointed by the King in April.

A thriving community of Johnians met up at an alumni event last month in Singapore to reminisce, network and make plans

The Johnian Society organised a trip to the Lake District to visit the landscape of St John's alumnus William Wordsworth

From magical headliners to stunning fireworks - and a few persistent gatecrashers - memories of the May Ball last a lifetime.

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.

Dr Cillian Ó Fathaigh (2014) was one of four Gates Cambridge Scholars on a panel discussion about leading with courage at the Cambridge Festival

How Dr Terry Downes (1989) shaped ailing Alaska Native Corporation Sealaska, to become a $1 billion ocean health business

Five alumni entrepreneurs shared their lessons from building and investing in ventures that address the world’s most urgent environmental and social challenges.

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.