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Alumni News
As the Oxford Union Society (OUS) begins its third century, there is much on which to reflect - from notable debates that have reverberated around the world to the guest speakers who have been questioned and challenged by the Society’s members.
We are now seeking to secure the Oxford Union’s future by ensuring we can continue: to uphold free speech by inviting members and guests to challenge ideas in a historic setting that is fit for purpose; to preserve the unique architectural heritage of the buildings, irreplaceable artworks and two centuries of tradition; and to increase accessibility by removing physical and financial barriers to participation.
The Oxford Union’s ability to retain its independence rests on the purpose-built premises, notably the historic grade II* listed debating chamber, which provide a unique setting for world-famous debates and speaker meetings. The buildings’ grade II* listed status denotes the premises as having special architectural and / or historic interest considered to be of national importance. Fewer than 6% of all listed buildings in England have grade II* status.
We are seeking to raise £5 million by year-end 2025 to fund essential maintenance works to enable the Oxford Union Society to continue to fulfil its time-honoured role as the ‘last bastion of free speech'. For more information about the four pillars of our project and what you can do to help, please email development@oxford-union.org
Thank you for considering supporting the Oxford Union. Your generosity at any level will have an impact.
On 23rd November 2023, life members gathered in a London pub to catch up with friends and meet current committee members. Hannah Edwards (President - Hilary 2024) spoke about the Union's future vision and urgent appeal, followed by remarks from Ex-Presidents Simon Walker CBE and James Wise who spoke about their own Union experiences and how they shaped their respective careers. With thanks to all for joining and ensuring it was a merry occasion - see you next year!
On 24th June 2023, more than 250 Ex-Presidents, Ex-Officers and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the Bicentennial, marking one of the largest gatherings of life members in many decades. It was especially wonderful to welcome those who had attended the 175th and 150th celebrations.
As we conclude an exceptional start to our Bicentenary year, our most recent Ex-President, Charlie Mackintosh of New College, sets out why free speech matters for QUAD magazine. You can read his opinion piece here.
This piece first appeared in the University of Oxford’s alumni magazine QUAD.
On Friday 24th February 2023, we welcomed 22 ex-presidents, 10 ex-officers, and more than 70 former committee and life members back for our Bicentenary debate, "This House Believes It Was Better 'Back in my Day'," presided over by Charlie Mackintosh of New College.
While "the noes had it", excellent speeches from both sides of the house were a tribute to our 200th celebrations - and to free speech.
With thanks to our guest speakers for an exceptional evening: Ms Victoria Schofield (Ex-President, Trinity 1977, Lady Margaret Hall); The Rt Hon. Ann Widdecombe (Ex-Treasurer, Michaelmas 1972, Lady Margaret Hall); The Rt Hon. Michael Gove (Ex-President, Hilary 1988, Lady Margaret Hall); Mr Gyles Brandreth (Ex-President, Michaelmas 1969, New College); CEO of the NHS, Amanda Pritchard (Ex-Librarian, Hilary 1996, St Anne's); and, former Deputy Prime Minister, The Rt Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH (Ex-President, Michaelmas 1954, Pembroke College).
We invite our alumni life members, friends and supporters to continue to celebrate our Bicentenary year of 2023 by raising a glass on Wednesday 5th April to mark 200 years to the date since our first ever debate was held in 1823.
On Saturday 11th February 2023 we gathered to celebrate 60 years since women gained admission to The Union on equal terms as men to mark the anniversary of a poll held on 8th February 1963. Members heard from Victoria Schofield (Ex-President, Trinity 1977, Lady Margaret Hall & Chair, OLDUT) and The Hon. Michael Beloff KC (Ex-President, Michaelmas 1962, Magdalen) who shared their own reflections on this historic milestone that fell within our Bicentenary year, and paid tribute to those who campaigned for this important change for many decades.
It was wonderful to see many of our alumni life members from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 00s return to the Union to join the celebrations. The event also served as an excellent opportunity for our members currently studying in Oxford to network with alumni life members from a range of professional backgrounds.
If you are interested in supporting our members currently studying in Oxford by providing careers advice or mentoring, please don't hesitate to get in touch with development@oxford-union.org
To learn more about Women in The Union see here.
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