Breadcrumbs

Endowing Fellowships

Investing in Academic Excellence

 

(Total donations as at January 2012)

  

The tutorial system is at the heart of everything we do at Somerville: the international distinction of our academic fellowship not only helps students to question and to seek answers for themselves during their tutorials, but engages them directly in world-class research.

At present, we are only able meet the annual cost of 60% of our teaching posts. Our long term goal is to endow all our fellowships in perpetuity, and thereby free up resources to support the future development of the College.

The Campaign aims to raise £8 million for fellowships as a first important step towards creating a secure future for our academic posts. Just over half of this target has been raised to date, a total of £4.7 million. 

Endowing French and Philosophy Fellowships

We are increasing our efforts to attract funding for fellowships which are at risk. Working with the University of Oxford Teaching Fund, we aim to secure two humanities fellowships for the College, in Philosophy and French. As soon as we raise £1.2 million, the University will ‘top up' the endowment to the £2 million needed to endow each fellowship permanently. We have therefore set an ambitious target to raise £2.4 million by 2013 and unlock this unique opportunity.

As a Chemistry graduate I might not be a typical donor to the Philosophy Fellowship appeal. But it struck a chord with me - two of my greatest friends read philosophy at university, and my reading in recent years has made me realise how important and relevant it is to today's society. I wanted to ensure that Somerville remains a centre for scholarship in Philosophy for future generations.

Paddy Crossley (Earnshaw, 1956)

Advancing global research

From the urgent problems of the declining ocean environment to questions of re-imagined democracy, our scholars are leaders in their fields. Tackling challenges of international importance, the work carried out by Somerville scholars is extraordinary. We seek to partner with alumni and international philanthropic organisations to secure the advancement of this pioneering research base.

Make a gift online, or to discuss your gift and find out more information about how you can help, please contact Director of Development, Julie Hage.