THE TERMLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR EXONIANS

HILARY TERM 2013

Welcome... to the latest edition of Exeter Matters, the termly electronic newsletter for Exonians.

RECTOR’S NEWS It must be spring: only last week, the Classicists coming back from Mods were being showered with celebratory buckets of water – hardly necessary, given the downpour. And a crocus is blooming in a corner of the front quad, protected by the President of the JCR who has asked that the grass be left uncut while it flowers. FRANCES CAIRNCROSS But it has been a grey and rainy term, with the Thames in flood and Torpids nearly cancelled. We have cheered ourselves up in a number of ways this term. Our rowers did not do brilliantly but our rugby team won the Cuppers Plate. After some debate, we marked our commitment to equality and diversity by flying the Rainbow Flag at the end of February. The Ken Colyer New Orleans Legacy Jazz Band led the annual march around the three Turl Street quads as part of a wonderfully successful Turl Street Arts Festival, and then blew their horns for a Prohibition themed party in Hall, under the stern gaze of Rector Farnell, who once said that such jazz “comes from the devil”. As part of our build-up to next year’s 700th anniversary celebrations, Sir Paul Nurse gave a memorable lecture on “Great ideas of biology, both historical and looking

THE WINNING RUGBY forward” to an audience of students, alumni and friends of the College. It was as TEAM riveting for non-scientists as it was for scientists. Two of this term’s speakers at the Rector’s Seminars have talked about prime ministers: Richard Thorpe talked about Sir Anthony Eden, Sir Alec Douglas-Home and Harold Macmillan; and later Lord Hurd described the excitements of working with Edward Heath, Margaret Thatcher and John Major. We have had other parties. In February, Lisa Barber, widow of Giles, the son of Rector Barber, came to name one of the graduate buildings on our Exeter House graduate campus for her late father-in-law. Quite a large group of the 1950s generation who had known Rector Barber came to celebrate the occasion. She cut the ribbon with Giles Barber’s ceremonial sword, and Professor Gregory Hutchinson delivered a Latin eulogy, an appropriate way to remember a distinguished classicist. The following SIR PAUL NURSE week, many more of the 1950s generation of Exonians came back for a reunion

| 2 HILARYMICHAELMAS TERM TERM2013 2010 lunch. When these Exonians describe the pranks they played while they were here, our current students grow wide-eyed in wonder. Mischief is not what it once was. We also held the annual John Fortescue Society Dinner in February. Kip Hall (1976, Jurisprudence), a Rhodes Scholar who is now a distinguished commercial lawyer in New York, gave a fascinating talk on Fraud in Capital Markets. He managed to grip the audience’s attention in spite of the flutterings of a pigeon trapped in the rafters which finally swooped low over his head and collapsed under High Table. A THE 700TH remarkable display of sang froid… ANNIVERSARY BOOK Much of my term has been spent working on the final stages of the book we will publish later this year on the first 700 years of Exeter College. I have been helped by the memories of many Exonians. Back at the beginning of term, on a visit to Paris, I met one of the most remarkable: Jean-Claude Servan-Schrieber, who came to Exeter in 1934 to study Economics when he was not yet 17, and went on to win the Croix de Guerre in the Second World War. Now living in Paris, this lively and talkative 94-year-old told me his extraordinary life story. We are a lucky College to have so many memories to draw on. Frances Cairncross

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE NEWS Kinsey Forsdyke leaves Development Office Sadly Kinsey Forsdyke, the Alumni Relations Officer, has now left Exeter College to train to become a nurse at . She is replaced by Will Watt who is quickly learning the ropes and looking forward to coordinating a wide range of upcoming events. We are also joined by Aileen Thomson, the Development Assistant. Aileen was formerly at the Oxford University English Faculty and is a graduate of St Peter’s College.

March Telethon under way After the success of the North American Telethon in December, where 70% of all alumni contacted made a gift, Exeter’s student callers are enjoying the main March Telethon which began this week. A team of 12 students, both undergraduates and graduates, is calling alumni across the globe for a period of three weeks to update them on College news, invite them to our many centenary events in 2014, and ask for a donation to the Annual Fund. If you speak to a student in March, we hope that you enjoy your conversation and feel reconnected with Exeter. North American Travel Scholar announced The 2013 North American Travel Scholarship has been awarded to Owen Donovan (2011, English). Owen is fascinated by film, and will be exploring whether Hollywood still has the power over the film industry that it laid claim to in the Golden Age of Cinema. If you work in the film or television industry and might be able to meet with Owen or even host him for a time please contact the Development Office.

Join in the Exeter Kilimanjaro challenge! The Exeter 700th Anniversary Kilimanjaro Team is 19 Exonians strong, ranging from 1959 to 2006. They will be attempting to summit Africa’s highest peak at the end of September 2013. Over the coming months, those alumni who are taking part will be contacting Exeter friends to ask for sponsorship. If you would like to join the team, it’s not too late – just give Development Officer Emily Watson a call on 01865 287165.

| 3 HILARYMICHAELMAS TERM TERM2013 2010 Donate your air miles to Exeter College Did you know that it is not just cash that you can donate to Exeter College? For example you can also donate your air miles, which can be put to use by the Rector as she attends events and fundraising activities abroad. Contact the Development Office to find out how to transfer your air miles. Exeter College receives £131,400 gift In recognition of becoming the Oxford college most supported by its alumni, in terms of percentage giving, Exeter has been awarded £131,400 by 10 generous benefactors. The gift will help fund the Careers Office and the Walton Street development, as well as providing much needed financial aid for Fellows and students to enable them to attend conferences relevant to their studies.

City Lecture: Peter Johnson talks on Business Mechanics Thanks to Andrea Gomes da Silva (1990, Modern Languages), Freshfields of London played host to alumni and friends of Exeter working in the City. Dr Peter Johnson gave a lecture on Business Mechanics to the 40-strong crowd.

COLLEGE NEWS Philip Pullman lecture available to listen to The Philip Pullman (1965, English) lecture at the Sheldonian – part of the 700th Anniversary lecture series – is now available to listen to online here. Mr Pullman was talking about his book on the Grimm fairytales, which was chosen as one of the Economist’s books of the year. Fellow in History Fara Dabhoiwala’s debut book was similarly recognised. Alex Scott speaks at Exeter @ the Saïd lecture Alex Scott (1978, PPE), the head of full-service family investment company SandAire, spoke at the Saïd Business School recently as part of the Exeter @ the Saïd series of events. The entrepreneur and strategist mapped out the special character and potential pitfalls of a family business – and revealed how he has successfully steered his own far into the sixth generation. You can read more here.

Exeter hosts prestigious guest speakers Exeter has hosted a number of prestigious guest speakers recently, as it does every term. Notably it has recently welcomed former politician Lord Douglas Hurd (pictured), literary agent for JK Rowling Neil Blair (1986, Jurisprudence), Radio One DJ Scott Mills, and Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse. Click on the links to read more.

Alison Brooks Architects wins major prizes The architects of Exeter’s Walton Street development - Alison Brooks Architects - have won two prestigious prizes at the Architect of the Year Awards. ABA received the Architect of the Year Gold Award 2012 and Housing Architect of the Year 2012. The awards recognised the practice’s significant contribution to British architecture over the past year. ABA was selected from the winners in all the Architect of the Year categories as “best of the best”.

| 4 HILARY TERM 2013 Exeter Rugby Club wins Cuppers Plate Exeter College’s rugby team triumphed in the Cuppers Plate final this month, beating Somerville/Corpus Christi by 30 points to 24. Exeter started strongly, but needed to fight off a strong comeback from Somerville/Corpus to hold on for the win. A write up of the match is available here. Sadly Exeter’s football team had to settle for second place in the premier league.

Exeter students awarded prestigious scholarships Congratulations to Melissa Grant (2012, Earth Sciences) and Samuel Hillman (2012, Physics) who have been awarded BP STEM Scholarships. These highly prestigious scholarships are awarded to just 10 students across the , and 90 students UK-wide, each year.

Exeter Fellows recognised in list Professor Carol Robinson, Professorial Fellow in Chemistry, and Professor Raymond Dwek, Emeritus Fellow in Biochemistry, have been recognised in the 2013 New Year Honours list. Professor Robinson is made a DBE for services to science and industry while Professor Dwek is made a CBE for services to UK-Israel scientific collaboration.

Barber House naming ceremony enjoyed by all Alumni who matriculated before 1956 were invited to the naming of Eric Barber House at Exeter’s Iffley Road accommodation recently. The daughter-in-law of the late Rector Barber, Lisa Barber (pictured), cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque. Rector Barber was honoured with a Latin speech given by Fellow in Classics Professor Gregory Hutchinson.

UNIVERSITY NEWS Oxford 4th most reputed university in the world The University of Oxford is the 4th most reputed university in the world, according to a list compiled by Times Higher Education. Harvard topped the list, followed by MIT and Cambridge.

Oxford issues £50m fundraising challenge The University of Oxford has recently received a pledge of £75 million, from Christ Church alumnus Michael Moritz and his wife Harriet Heyman, towards the funding of bursaries for the most financially disadvantaged undergraduate students. The gift is conditional upon the collegiate university raising a further £50 million for undergraduate student support.

Comeback gives Oxford Varsity glory Oxford won a third consecutive rugby union Varsity match in December, thanks to a superb second-half comeback at Twickenham. Oxford beat Cambridge 26-19, having been 19-6 behind shortly after half-time. There was also Varsity glory for the rugby league team in March, winning 32 - 4.

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OLD MEMBERS’ NEWS recognised in New Year Honours list We are delighted to learn that Philip French (1954, Jurisprudence) was recognised in the New Year Honours list. He has been made an OBE for services to film. Exonian wins Grammy Congratulations to Joe Ray (2002, Philosophy and Modern Languages) who has won a Grammy for best non-classical remixed recording for the song Promises which he recorded with his band Nero. The Grammy Awards, hosted in the USA each year, recognise outstanding musical achievement. Promises reached number one in the UK music charts in August 2011.

Sir Ronald Cohen named a Beacon Fellow Exeter College Old Member and Honorary Fellow Sir Ronald Cohen (1964, PPE) has been named a Beacon Fellow at the 2013 Beacon Awards. The Beacon Awards aim to celebrate outstanding philanthropic achievement made by individuals, families and small groups of individuals working collaboratively. Sir Ronald was awarded The Beacon Award for Impact Investment to recognise the work he does to encourage investment in areas that provide social as well as financial benefits.

David Bellos on BBC Radio Three Professor David Bellos (1963, Modern Languages) presented a programme on BBC Radio Three this week, The Essay: Explaining the Explicit. Writer and academic David Bellos considered why translating sex is so difficult and whether the difficulties themselves can cast light on the subject. The programme is available to listen to online.

Exonians in print Christopher Reid (1968, English), the celebrated poet, has published his latest collection of poems, entitled Nonsense. Amy Sackville (2002, English Studies) has just published her second novel, Orkney. The book has received glowing reviews, with The Telegraph describing it as ‘impressive, intense and daring’. Victor Perkins (1957, Modern History), one of the trailblazers of film studies, has published his latest book, La Règle du jeu, about the eponymous film that was the first and is arguably still the finest of all the films that we see in a director’s cut. John Gray (1968, PPE) published The Silence of Animals: On Progress and Other Modern Myths last month. The book draws on memoirs, poems, fiction and philosophy to make readers re-imagine their place in the world. Stanley Johnson (1959, English) has published his latest book: UNEP The First 40 Years; A Narrative. The book marks the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). For further publications by Exonians please visit www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni/news.

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EVENTS Exeter in the City: California Drinks, Wednesday 20 March To coincide with the University’s North American events, alumni in the great San Francisco Bay area have been invited for a networking drinks reception at the home of Carl Zachrisson (1965, International Relations). The event has been organised in partnership with the Development Office. Campaign Gifts Manager Tessa Stanley Price will be attending. Email the Development Office to find out more.

Amelia Jackson Society Luncheon, Wednesday 17 April Members of the Amelia Jackson Society – those who have pledged a gift in their Will to Exeter College – are invited to join the Rector to celebrate the first annual society luncheon. Email the Development Office to find out more. To read about giving to Exeter in your Will click here or contact the Development Office.

ExVac Dinner, Friday 3 May The ExVac society will host an auction at their biennial dinner this year. A guest speaker will be announced shortly. All those who have ever been involved in the work of the ExVac charity are invited to sign up. Please email the Development Office for more information.

PPE Dinner, Friday 10 May The annual PPE Society Dinner is open to all alumni who have read PPE at Exeter. The evening is a fantastic opportunity to meet with current PPE students and tutors. Our speaker for the evening will be confirmed shortly. Please email the Development Office to sign up. 1314 Society Garden Party, Saturday 11 May The Rector warmly welcomes all 1314 Society Members, as well as alumni in the Oxford area, to an afternoon garden party in her own garden. A buffet-style lunch will be served. If you would like to attend, please email the Development Office.

Young Alumni Garden Party, Saturday 25 May The gardens of Exeter College will play host to alumni who matriculated from 2000 – 2011, as well as fourth year students and Fellows. Pimms, strawberries and ice- cream will be served to those wishing to enjoy the sunshine. Alumni will then have the opportunity to cheer on current Exonians racing in Summer Eights! Please email the Development Office if you would like to attend.

ECBCA Dinner, Saturday 25 May Members and supporters of the Exeter College Boat Club will soon be invited to a drinks reception and dinner in College on the final day of Summer Eights. Cheer on the Exeter crews from the banks of the river in the afternoon, then celebrate in College that evening. Contact the Development Office for more information. | 7 HILARY TERM 2013

AND FINALLY... Walk with the Rector Are you an avid walker? Do you live somewhere between Exeter (Devon) and Exeter (Oxford)? Can you spare some time for the College? If you answered yes, then we have a challenge for you! To kick start our 700th Anniversary, the Rector is walking from Exeter to Exeter in late July. Following in the footsteps of Rector Prideaux from the 16th century, and generations of Devonian students, she will be walking this exceptional journey over two weeks. We need some help in checking her route by those with local knowledge. If you would be willing to walk a section, recommend places to stay, or suggest route alterations, please get in touch with Katrina Hancock, Director of Development.