Members of the Beaufort Society and their guests gathered at St John’s on Saturday 10 October for the Society’s Annual Meeting, celebrating their shared commitment to supporting the future of the College through gifts in their wills.
The afternoon began with a champagne reception in the Old Divinity School, where guests were welcomed by the Master, Heather Hancock (1984). Reflecting on the start of a new academic year, the Master spoke about welcoming a new cohort of students to the College, celebrated recent academic achievements, and highlighted a number of developments across St John’s, including the reopening of the Boathouse following its redevelopment, the completion of landscaping and capital projects across the College site, and the success of the recent Telethon campaign. Above all, she thanked members for their friendship, generosity and continued support of the College.
Members then proceeded to lunch in Hall, where Professor Simon Conway Morris (1974) read grace. During coffee, the President of the Beaufort Society, Sir Richard Aikens (1967), reflected on his first year in post and the continued growth of the Society, which now numbers more than 400 members. He spoke about the transformative impact of philanthropy and legacy giving at St John’s, highlighting support for the College’s endowment, scholarships, research, music, sport, and the Dobson Free Places scheme. He thanked members for their generosity and the vital role they play in helping the College thrive for future generations.
Sir Richard then introduced student musician and jazz pianist Oscar Trott (2024), a third-year Music student at St John’s and recent runner-up in the Reinstein Jazz Prize. Oscar performed a recital of jazz pieces by Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and George Gershwin, showcasing the exceptional musical talent within the current student community.
A highlight of the afternoon was a fascinating lecture from Professor Simon Conway Morris, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology and Fellow of St John’s, entitled No extraterrestrials and unique humans: what on earth is going on? Drawing on examples of evolutionary biology, he explored questions surrounding the emergence of intelligence, the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe, and the qualities that make humanity unique. The thought-provoking lecture prompted lively discussion during the Q&A session that followed. An article on Professor Conway Morris’ research will feature in the next issue of the Johnian.
Following the lecture, members gathered in the Senior Combination Room for tea and coffee, where they were joined by guest speaker Dr Jonathan Padley, Tutor for Undergraduate Admissions. The event concluded in the early evening, with many guests choosing to remain for Evensong in Chapel and the opportunity to hear the College’s new organ.
The College is deeply grateful to every member of the Beaufort Society. Through their generosity and foresight, members are helping to ensure that future generations of Johnians can benefit from the exceptional opportunities and education that have distinguished St John’s for more than 500 years.
If you would like to find out more about making a gift to St John’s in your will and joining the Beaufort Society, please contact the Development Office by email at beaufortsociety@joh.cam.ac.uk