The Development Council

Becca plays a leading role in realising Somerville’s fundraising goals, with particular responsibility for major gifts and legacies.

Following a first degree in Philosophy and Psychology at Durham, Becca was a postgraduate researcher in the philosophy of education at Magdalene College, Cambridge. She then worked in the City as a lobbyist for the financial services industry before becoming Major Gifts Officer at Keble College.

If you are thinking about making a major gift, or leaving a legacy, Becca would love to hear from you. You can contact her by email on rebecca.coker@some.ox.ac.uk or phone her at +44 (0) 7890 412404.

Sara Kalim read Classics at Somerville from 1990-94. She then spent 14 years in the media, working as Head of Development for two major television production companies. Her work included developing access and ideas, and fundraising for documentaries and current affairs programming.

Sara has most recently worked for the University of Oxford for three years at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Department of Politics and International Relations, where she held responsibility for financial and strategic planning, and played an instrumental role in securing journalism scholarships from a variety of funding sources.

As Director of Development, Sara oversees Somerville’s fundraising strategy and development, is responsible for fundraising campaigns (including for the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust and the Oxford India Centre), and heads up the Development Team. She is also a member of the College’s Management Team.

Sara has a long-standing family connection to India, with family coming from Patna, Bihar. She also studied at Somerville making her the perfect advocate to drive the further development of the Centre. Sara’s focus is on fundraising and profile-raising working with philanthropists and corporate partners.

If you are interested in making a gift, or are thinking about leaving a legacy, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Lisa Gygax (1987, PPE) has been Liz Cooke’s ‘apprentice’ since 2014. In her role as joint Secretary to the Alumni Association she shares Liz’s keen interest in the myriad of pursuits that Somervillians get up to after leaving Oxford. Her role extends to stewarding our various alumni networks.

Clare manages the day-to-day operations of the Development and Alumni Relations team, orchestrating high-level campaign events and overseeing Somerville’s stewardship programme for donors..

As Director for the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust, Jessica oversees the financial aspects of the Trust and ensures that the objects of the charity are met. She works closely with the Director of the Thatcher Scholarship Programme, the Principal, Development Director, Trustees and Patrons in the execution of her role.

As we enter a new phase of fundraising to meet the College’s five-year strategy, Jessica has taken on the role of Campaign Director, working closely with the Development Director and Principal on the fundraising strategy, developing campaign messages, setting goals and developing the projects and tools that will allow the team to achieve the ambitious targets.

Jackie is Somerville’s Regular Giving and Alumni Relations Executive. She joined Somerville in 2023 from Cardiff University, where she worked in development and alumni relations following a year as President of the Student’s Union. 

As Regular Giving and Alumni Relations Executive, Jackie organises the Somerville College telethon and other exciting fundraising campaigns within the alumni community. She is also responsible for the Cedar Circle, Somerville’s new initiative to recognise those who make a regular gift to the College.

In her Alumni Relations role, Jackie leads our young alumni events, helping recent graduates and leavers stay connected to their College community.

Matt leads Somerville’s Communications team.

Matt manages Somerville’s social media presence and website, as well as working on the team’s regular publications and reporting on College life and research.