Dear Somervillian,
It is my pleasure, on behalf of everyone at Somerville, to send you and your loved ones warmest best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.
There is, of course, much to grieve in the world today. But against the resurgent figures of war and loss, I am thankful that we have a global community at Somerville which embraces people of every faith and background in peace and respect. Throughout our College’s history, our shared commitment to provide world-class education and research has enabled us to transcend division and defy despair, and I am thankful this remains true today. Our continued work as a College of Sanctuary is perhaps the finest embodiment of this promise. It sends a message that Oxford is a place of welcome where anyone, however lost or dispossessed, can learn to change the world.
We are thankful to you, our alumni and friends in America, for helping us maintain this promise. On behalf of everyone at Somerville, I hope you are able to renew your own bonds of community in peace and harmony this Thanksgiving, strengthened by our warmest best wishes for the holiday season.
Warm regards
Jan Royall
