Development & Alumni Office

The sun shone on the 200 alumni, staff and guests who gathered together in Oxford on Saturday 1st June to celebrate 25 years of the IB at St. Clare's. The atmosphere was relaxed as people reminisced and reacquainted. The day gave alumni a chance to re-visit places that they remembered as well as to see how the college had changed since they left. It was also an opportunity to catch up with old friends and teachers.

The day started with a talk given by Boyd Roberts, current Principal, about the present and future of St. Clare's. The action then moved to St. Clare's newest acquisition, 131 Banbury Road, or New Place. Tea, with cakes, scones and cucumber sandwiches, was served in the garden of this new building. Anne Dreydel, co-founder of the college talked of her memories of the early years of the IB at St. Clare's to an audience of recent leavers as well as those who were students in her time.

After a drinks reception, around 100 people moved to the marquee in the garden of the Academic Resources Centre for a wonderful 3 course meal. This gave St. Clare's the opportunity to pay tribute to 2 of St. Clare's longest serving teachers, Julita Edwards (38 years at St. Clare's) and David Ripley (23 years at St. Clare's), who both retire at the end of this academic year. Boyd Roberts then outlined the progress made by the college and paid tribute to all those who have worked towards making St. Clare's the vibrant community it is today. Sophie Chalmers, one of the first students of the IB at St. Clare's, rounded off the evening by toasting the college.

Those who did not attend the dinner visited favourite haunts as groups of friends. Some alumni even stayed overnight in the houses they had lived in as students. Thank you to all those who attended and made the day so special. To all of those who couldn't come, we hope to see you at the next reunion.