50th anniversary celebrations

Over 500 guests, students, parents, former students, Governors and staff attended an event held at Oxford Town Hall to celebrate fifty years of St. Clare's, Oxford.

Current students from the College entertained guests with music and drama before and during the event.

Anne Dreydel, one of the two original founders in 1953, was present, and recalled the early days after the Second World War and her efforts to build bridges with Germany, links which have continued unbroken since.

With only £5 capital, Anne and co-founder Pam Morris set up St. Clare's with help from the British Council. Starting with a dozen students in 1953, the College has now grown to 360 students on two sites representing over 40 nationalities, including British students who value an international environment.

Sir John Hanson, Warden of Green College, University of Oxford and former Director-General of the British Council, spoke of St. Clare's special contribution to the educational diversity within the City, and praised St. Clare's vision in promoting the international dimension of education.

Lord Watson, Chairman of the English-speaking Union and President of the British-German Association delivered the keynote address, in which he expressed his admiration for Anne Dreydel and her contribution to British-German relations and drew attention to International Relations between Britain, Europe and the United States.

Boyd Roberts, Principal of St Clare's, set out the College's vision for the future, based on strengthening connections with former students, developing facilities and focussing on the values of Global Citizenship.

27 November 2003

Top