SOMERVILLE COLLEGE CHOIR'S INDIA TOUR, DECEMBER 2023 It’s hard to believe that Somerville has been an official College such as our crowdfunder to support the St Paul’s Nursery (a of Sanctuary since 2021. In that time, this programme has treasured resource for our academics with children). grown exponentially. Last year, the University of Oxford followed Somerville’s example to become a University of As I look to the year ahead, I must give a special vote of thanks Sanctuary. Here at Somerville, our tally of Sanctuary Scholars to all of my colleagues here at Somerville. This great college rose to eight in 2023-24, including students from Ukraine, will need to come together in order to meet the challenges as Sudan, Ethiopia and Afghanistan. Thanks to the extraordinary well as the opportunities that the future holds. We couldn’t philanthropy of Peggie Rimmer, next year will see our cohort possibly do that without this brilliant and close-knit community, of Sanctuary Scholars rise to twelve. I am deeply indebted to nor without the expert financial management of our Treasurer our Development Director, Sara Kalim, and her team, through Andrew Parker, who has doubled our endowment over the past whose tireless efforts these opportunities become realities. decade, from £50m in 2014 to £99m this year. Life within the JCR and MCR always reflects the irrepressible All of this places us in an excellent position to launch the RISE vitality of Somerville. This year, we had a record number of campaign in the next academic year. Organised around the four sporting Blues in College, as well as Varsity victory in ballroom pillars of resilience, inclusivity, sustainability and excellence, dancing! Two Somerville poets were shortlisted for the Jon RISE will provide the blueprint for us to create the Somerville of Stallworthy Prize, and two of our photographers claimed first tomorrow, a college rooted in our enduring values, but prepared and second place in the University's Sustainability Photographer to rise and meet the challenges of the future. of the Year competition. On a more serious note, it was inspiring Our college’s future is bright, then. But it is worth remembering to see our MCR organise a concert in aid of Save the Children’s that such progress is only possible through the continued humanitarian relief efforts for Gaza. support of you, the Somerville community. Your dedication, Our alumni community was just as buoyant this year. We creativity, and care for this place have always made Somerville held fantastic events such as our wonderful Family Day in stronger. As we move forward, I have no doubt that you will September and perhaps our best ever Supporters’ Lunch, once again be the guiding spirit ensuring that this college featuring showcases from our brilliant Junior Research Fellows, remains a beacon of academic excellence, inclusivity, and while also making time for the annual Commemoration and an innovation for generations to come. unforgettable Memorial Service to our friend and colleague Liz JAN ROYALL, Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, Cooke. Somervillians also came together around vital causes, Principal of Somerville 12