19/04/2024
The politics of time with Carolyn Smith
Wolfson was founded this week in 1965, and Wolfson members from all over the world joined President Jane Clarke and Wolfson Fellows to toast to its history, the successes of the last academic year, and the exciting future of the College.
“We have thrived this year,” said the President, describing the breathless activity across the College over the last three terms, including the creation of the new Let’s Talk About Race and Racism initiative and the three Interdisciplinary Research Hubs – Gender, Global Health, and Sustainability and Conservation – which bring together Wolfson’s Fellows, students and partners from different disciplines to tackle the pressing issues of the day.
“Why have I chosen to highlight these particular activities in my talk here today?” asked the President. “It is because this working together is at the heart of what makes Wolfson special. It is by working together, sharing our experiences, our passions and our commitment to change the world for the better, that Wolfson can and does make a difference.”
Members shared their own highlights of the year, which included this year’s Wolfson Research Event, praised for its ‘incredible intellectual weight’.
Former President Gordon Johnson, addressing the fact both women and men were admitted as both students and Fellows when the College was founded, spoke of the College’s “radical” origins and encouraged the College and its members to continue in this same radical tradition.
Members were challenged to create their own Formal Hall for the online celebration, as well as create a Wolfson College cocktail, its pineapple ingredient a reference to the deep association with long-time supporter and Honorary Fellow, Dr Lee Seng Tee, a philanthropist and businessman in the pineapple industry.
You can read about the first years of Wolfson College on our Ideals in Action page and on Our History page.
And you can keep updated on what’s happening in College by signing up to This Week at Wolfson, our e-newsletter.
