Somerville College is very proud to announce the winners of this year’s Pat Harris Spirit of Somerville Award: Reuben Smith (2023, Chemistry) and Ishani Mookherjee (2022, Law).
Aaron Maniam (1998, PPE) and Pat Harris
The Spirit of Somerville Award was established in memory of our long-serving lodge porter, Pat Harris, to recognise current students who embody the spirit of Somerville. The award was first set up in 2018 by Aaron Maniam (1998, PPE), who was an undergraduate during Pat’s time at the College. Aaron, along with a group of his friends, established the fund, which has now been awarded to 16 students. Read more about this year’s winners below.
Reuben Smith, 3rd year MChem Chemistry
Reuben Smith was nominated for his dedication to both college and university life. Within the JCR, he has been the environment and ethics officer and is a strong champion of wildlife and biodiversity. Reuben also manages the Somerville bouldering society every week and involved in chapel services. However, what makes him standout is his kindness for the people around him, regardless of whether or not you know him. He is so friendly to everyone and has been a constant reassurance to people who need it, and his laughter is infectious!
Award Winners Reuben and Ishani with alumnus Aaron Maniam who established the Spirit of Somerville Award
Ishani Mookherjee, 3rd year DPhil Law
Ishani Mookherjee is currently a DPhil in Law candidate, for which she has been awarded the Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship. She was the MCR Welfare Officer at Somerville College for the academic year of 2024-25 and has taken up this role again for 2026-27. Ishani has immensely contributed to promoting the welfare and well-being of the MCR community.
Together with her co-welfare officers, she did a fantastic job in leading welfare schemes providing students with reimbursements/subsidies for NHS prescriptions, flu vaccinations, and mental well-being app subscriptions. In addition, she organized other events, including Bike Doctor visits, Welfare X EDI brunches, sip and paint events, picnics, welfare walks, and Welfare Exchanges. More importantly, by coordinating closely with the welfare team of the College, Ishani meaningfully contributed to fostering a warm, friendly, inclusive, and comforting environment for the graduate students throughout the year. Overall, her kindness and generosity perfectly reflect the honourable spirit of Pat Harris and Somerville College.