Trinity term is always a poignant time of endings and beginnings, as student days draw to a close and new paths open out amid the beauties of the Oxford summer.
This year, that sense of poignancy is stronger than ever as we prepare to say farewell not only to our finalists, but also Jan Royall, our Principal of the past eight years. Our sadness at parting from the Principal who steered Somerville through the hardships of Covid and beyond is matched only by our excitement at welcoming her successor, Catherine Royle. It is hard to think of a Somervillian better qualified to lead the College through the coming years of challenge and opportunity than Catherine, a former ambassador and NATO Political Adviser.
There will be several occasions both this term and next for Somervillians to mark the transition of Principals appropriately, details of which you will find below. Before then, please join us in celebrating some of our highlights from Hilary 2025. Over Easter, our Choir embarked on a whistle-stop US tour, where the Somerville spirit prevailed over airport chaos to delight music-lovers in both New York and Texas. Back at home, we saw our students scoop multiple prizes for journalism, while early-career academics Dr Andy Anker and Dr Henry Hung gained global recognition for climate science. Lastly, we were delighted to celebrate the success of the Somerville Women’s First Boat winning blades for the first time in six years at Torpids. The Boat Club have made huge strides this year, partly thanks to alumni involvement in the form of the soon-to-be relaunched 1921 Club. If you’re a former rowing alum who would like to support the Boat Club’s continued rise, including its new ‘Project 150’ strategy, find out more here.
Somerville College Choir at St Thomas Church, New York
Somerville College Choir at the Met
The Choir receive a warm Texas welcome!
W1 at Torpids. Credit: Lauren Hazel Photos.
M1 at Torpids. Credit: Lauren Hazel Photos.
Somerville Choir perform at the Supporters' Lunch in February
Alumni at the Supporters' Lunch in February
Alumni and students mingle at the Supporters' Lunch
