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Alumni News

'Oxmas' drinks in London

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!

The Bicentenary Dinner

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.

Article: Why Free Speech Matters - QUAD Magazine

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.

The Bicentenary Debate

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.

Celebrating 60 years since women gained admission on equal terms as men

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.

Celebrating 8th February 1963

Saying Thank you to Stephen Dixon

In December 2022, several alumni returned to Oxford to say 'thank you' to Stephen Dixon who retired in 2021. As many of you will remember, Stephen generously gave more than two decades of service to the Union as FAA (1993 - 1995) and as Senior Treasurer (2001 - 2021). Both Stephen and Carolyn Dixon were thanked for their friendship and support to more than 60 presidents and hundreds of committee members over the years. We continue to be very grateful to all senior officers, past and present, for their contributions to the society.

Contact details

Frewin Court
Oxford, OX1 3JB

enquiries@oxford-union.org

+44 (0)1865 241353

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