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Contents:
College News
Fellows News
Student News
Tales from the Hut
Events
Alumni News
Sports News
College Officers 2007 - 8
MasterProf A Goudie
Vice MasterProf H Hamerow
Bursar Ms M Doherty
Senior TutorDr J-G Deutsch
Tutor for AdmissionsDr P Thompson
DeanProf M Robinson
Deans of DegreesDr J WilliamsonMr D Richards
Director of Computing Dr J Ashbourn
Librarian Ms S Allcock
Archivist Prof E Savage-Smith
Wine Steward Ms M Doherty
Garden Master Dr S Wolton
President of Common Room
Dr N Kruger
Harassment Advisers Prof A R Hope
Dr E P Garcia-Bellido
Publications Officer Dr J Williamson
Equality & Welfare Officer
Dr I Daniels
Welcome from the Master
After another exciting year here at St Cross, you will find this latest issue of Crossword packed full of news, views and reports.
With an ever increasing student population, consisting of representatives of over 50 nations, this year has seen St Cross continue to flourish not only academically, but culturally and socially.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Crossword and we hope to see you in College in the not too distant future.
With best regards,
Andrew Goudie Editors
Laura King & Jim Williamson
CROSSWORD
Six New Scholarships Launched for 2008St Cross is proud to announce that, thanks to the support of our members and colleagues we have been able to offer six new scholarships to students commencing their studies in October 2008.
Two new Graduate Studentships are now available in Archaeology and Sociology to students taking their DPhil at St Cross from the academic year 2008-9. The Archaeology studentship is worth £4,000 per year, thus making a substantial financial difference to the lucky recipient. The successful candidate for the Sociology Studentship will not only have their University and College Fees waived by the department and St Cross, but will also receive a stipend of £6,000. These two studentships were made possible by the co-operation of our colleagues at the Department of Sociology and the School of Archaeology, for which St Cross is grateful.
Furthermore, College Fellow Professor Rana Mitter has enabled three new scholarships for DPhil students. They will form part of his research team for the China War project, run in conjunction with the History Faculty and Department of Politics and International Relations. These scholarships have been provided with the assistance of funds from the Leverhulme Trust, given as part of the Research Leadership Award given to Professor Mitter towards his work focusing on “China’s War with Japan: Experience, Legacy and Memory”. The three fully funded DPhil scholars are (pictured left) Lily Chang, Sha Hua and Shu Sheng-chi.
Finally, we are especially proud to announce the launch of the Robin and Nadine Wells Scholarship. This Scholarship, worth £5,000 each year, is open to students from all subject areas and will provide financial assistance to an academically meritorious graduate student, who would not otherwise have the opportunity of continuing their education at Oxford University. The award is offered thanks to the generous philanthropy of Alumnus Robin Wells (1993, MSt Ethnology & Museum Ethnography) and his wife Nadine (pictured with the Master and their sons on a recent trip to the College). Robin benefited from bursaries and scholarships throughout his formal education and is now happy to provide the same opportunities to others.
Alumnus of the Year 07In recent years it has become increasingly obvious what huge strides the St Cross Alumni are making out in the wide world. As a group, their accomplishments do credit to the College motto: “To the four corners of the earth”. The Alumni Association have been examining how best to recognise the efforts and achievements of such individuals who bring particular credit to the College and as a result have instituted the Alumnus/a of the Year Award. The first of these awards will be presented at this year’s Gaudy celebration to Douglas H. Wigdor.
Douglas H. Wigdor joined St Cross College in 1993 to read for an MLItt in Social Studies with the Department of Politics. Having previously received his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, cum laude, Douglas went on to gain his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University School of Law in Washington, D.C., graduating in the top of his class.
In his time at St Cross, Douglas was a prolific member of the student body, not only working as an Editor of the Oxford International Review and serving as a member of Vincent’s Club, but also achieving two full blues in Basketball. In addition, Douglas was the Student President in 1994. While at St Cross, Douglas met his wife Catherine (Lincoln ‘93) with whom he now has two children, Jacob (9) and Simon (5).
Since leaving St Cross, Douglas has achieved notable professional success in his chosen field of the Law. As a founding partner of New York City based Thompson Wigdor & Gilly LLP, Douglas has been recognised as one of America’s leading labour and employment lawyers. Prior to forming his own firm, Douglas clerked for a federal judge, was a prosecutor in New York and was a senior lawyer at a large multi-national law firm.
Douglas is an active and philanthropic member of his local community and for the last several years, has managed a baseball team in the local Little League and coached local basketball teams. In addition, Douglas has shown unstinting support to St Cross College. His membership of the American Friends and his willingness to offer resources, time and expertise to aid the College’s endeavours in Alumni Relations, have been inspiring. The College is extremely grateful for all the assistance and support Douglas has shown in recent years, for which the award of Alumnus of the Year 2007 is given.
Oxford Nominates A New Vice-Chancellor
Professor Andrew Hamilton, currently the Provost of Yale, has been nominated as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, serving from 1 October 2009. Professor Hamilton (55, married with 3 children) has been Provost of Yale since 2004 and combines his wide-ranging administrative duties with a distinguished teaching and research career. In addition to serving as Provost, he is Benjamin Silliman Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry.
Professor Hamilton greatly impressed the Nominating Committee resulting in his unanimous selection. He said of his nomination: “Oxford is one of the world’s greatest universities and the invitation to serve as its Vice-Chancellor is an inspiring and humbling one. In due course and with the support and help of colleagues in every part of the collegiate University, I shall seek to play my part in ensuring that Oxford’s outstanding reputation as a pre-eminent centre of teaching, learning and research is safeguarded and enhanced for generations to come.”
Alumna Appointed President of
Wolfson CollegeAlumna Professor Hermione Lee (1970, MPhil English) has been appointed to the Presidency of Wolfson College commencing in October 2008.
Professor Lee is “delighted and honoured” by the appointment and is “looking forward to taking on the new challenge of leading, representing, and working for Wolfson College.”
COLLEGE NEWS
St Cross Staff Expansion
With an ever-increasing student body and Fellowship, the College Administration Team has now expanded to keep up.
Joanne Beazley (pictured right)joined the team in December 2007 as an Accounts Assistant with special responsibility for Battels.
Tony Mead joined the College in September 2008 as the new Evening Porter. With Tony’s appointment the College will now be able to offer students, Fellows and other College members greater support outside normal office hours, with the Porters’ Lodge now manned from 8am to 11pm.
Welcome Tony & Jo!
St Cross Creates Links to the UAE In these days of worldwide educational institutions, St Cross is always keen to create links with academic establishments in foreign lands. April 2008 saw the culmination of our latest efforts to further this aim, when the College received a visit from a group of 12 students from the Higher Colleges of Technology based in the United Arab Emirates. The students (6 male and 6 female) were offered a week long programme of lectures, seminars, visits and talks with the aim of introducing them to the University of Oxford, St Cross College and life as a student in the UK.
Accompanied by Alumnus, Dr Tim Pound as their Director of Studies (pictured with the group), the students received lectures on the mechanics of applying to Oxford, including a talk on the admissions process from the Head of Post-Graduate Admissions, and information on Visas and studying in the UK from the Head of the International Student Advisory Service.
A substantial portion of the visit was also dedicated to academic endeavour with the students enjoying lectures from Professor Avi Shlaim and Dr Eugene Rogan from the Middle East Centre, a seminar and round table discussion with students also from the MEC; a lecture from College Fellow Professor Emilie Savage-Smith on her work with the Book of Curiosities, which was a particular hit with the students and visits to the Ashmolean, Bodleian Library and Museum of the History of Science. Another highlight of the trip for the students was a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see “The Merchant of Venice” performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Despite the obvious linguistic challenges this presented the students, they all came away from the performance having thoroughly enjoyed the experience and extremely enthusiastic about Shakespeare!
The visit gave St Cross College the opportunity to show off the multi-national and culturally diverse nature of the College and the response from our visitors was extremely positive, with the week long visit ending on a high note at the Gala Dinner held in their honour.
Fundraising in 2007The fundraising efforts of the past year have demonstrated once again the generosity of the St Cross College membership.
With the academic year’s Annual Fund launched in October , the College membership were asked to pledge their support for such projects as student hardship grants and language bursaries; the proposed North and West Wing buildings; visiting Fellowships and scholarships. Once again the College membership answered that call.
Over £26,700 was donated throughout the year to the variety of projects the College requires assistance to run; the benefit of this generosity is already being felt. Full details of exactly how the money raised in the last year has been spent, can be found in this year’s issue of “The Record”.
2007 also saw the establishment of the Hélène La Rue Scholarship Fund, set up on the instruction of the Will of College Fellow Dr Hélène La Rue. The fund was established with the intention of broadening access for the most gifted music scholars to attend St Cross College and Oxford University. Since Dr La Rue’s sad passing last July, many College members have been keen to honour her memory by adding their contribution to the Scholarship Fund. Dr La Rue would be proud to know that almost £6,000 has been raised so far by her colleagues at St Cross.
We would like to thank you for your generosity.
New Club Structure for St Cross Donors
In the last year St Cross has instituted a new donor club structure, to ensure that we thank all of our generous supporters in a manner befitting their gift. Three new donor clubs were created this spring and all those who donate to St Cross will now automatically become a member of one of them, depending on the sum total of their gifts (the club memberships will be re-evaluated each spring to include new donations):
The Supporters of St Cross are those donors able to give up to a total of £249. The members of this club will receive priority invitations to College events and occasions. The Supporters of St Cross enjoyed a delightful drinks reception at the Master’s Lodgings in February.
The Patrons of St Cross is made up of those who have given a total of between £250 and £999 to the College. As well as priority invitations to College events and occasions, the College will hold an annual dinner for the Patrons. The inaugural dinner was held in February and was a lovely occasion enjoyed by all who attended.
The 1965 Club is made up of those donors who have supported the College by contributing £1000 and over. The founding black tie dinner of the 1965 Club, held this spring, was a resounding success with excellent food, wine and conversation.
The events held for each club not only gave the College the opportunity to demonstrate its gratitude, but it also allowed its donors to opportunity to give their feedback, discuss future plans and celebrate the success that their generosity has enabled.
If you would like any further information on the new club structure, please do get in touch ([email protected]).
COLLEGE NEWS
St Cross Makes American Friends
St Cross is in the fortunate position of being able to attract members from all over the world and our alumni therefore represent an exciting mix of nationalities, cultures and points of view. However, there are certain areas where the concentration of members is higher than others, with North America being such a location.
With this in mind, the College is keen to offer alumni/ae the benefit of a more local approach to some aspects of their contact with the College and so has established the American Friends of St Cross. The American Friends are made up of a group of North American alumni/ae and friends of the College charged with the task of offering alumni/ae more opportunities to get involved.
Ideas were exchanged at the inaugural meeting held in New York in April and we would welcome your input. If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see offered, please do get in contact with the American Friends. The members of the American Friends are:
(pictured left to right) Jere Bacharach (Former Fellow, 1995 & 2005), Jamie Bartholomew (2002, MSc Comparative Social Policy), Douglas Wigdor (1993, MLitt Social Studies) [email protected], Edward Furgol (1977, DPhil Modern History) [email protected], Anne Vandenabeele (1998, MPhil Economics) and (not pictured ) Zach Schauf (2004, MPhil Oriental Studies), Lauren Chitwood (2005, MPhil Latin American Studies), Spencer Frasher (2002, MBA), John Glavin (Friend of the College and Director of the Healy Scholarship Trust), J Patrick Hornbeck II (2003, DPhil Theology)
The College is also keen to establish similar groups in Southeast Asia and Australia, so if you would be interested in assisting the College in this way please do get in touch ([email protected]).
Advancing Global Conversations
In an age where so many Oxford Colleges have defined themselves by specialising in a particular subject or discipline, the Governing Body of St Cross have put together a Vision and Mission for the College entitled “Advancing Global Conversations”.
As an interdisciplinary postgraduate College the mission of St Cross is to provide a meeting-point for scholars and others engaged in responding to global challenges and to facilitate advanced studies in every field of scholarly enquiry. Since it has never admitted students reading for undergraduate degrees, the College has, since its inception, transcended long-established academic boundaries. The College aims, in particular, to disseminate the fruits of interdisciplinary academic research to a global audience of decision-makers, leaders, and intellectuals.
This vision for the College will place it at the forefront for prospective students looking to study the cutting edge subjects now offered by the University and in accordance with the College motto, filter this collectively acquired wisdom out to the four corners of the earth.
Alumni Contribute Financial Know-How
In the ever changing world of finance and investment, a helping hand from those in the know is always welcome. The College has been most fortunate of late to have been able to call on the expertise of three Alumni as advisers to the College Finance Committee and Investment sub-committee.
Dr James Dodd (1973, DPhil Theoretical Physics), Dr Rupert Macey-Dare (1992, DPhil Economics) and Dr Dan Forbes-Ford (1996, DPhil Clinical Medicine) have proved to be an indispensible asset to the College’s Financial team, providing them with assistance and advice in these times of economic turbulence.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank James, Rupert and Dan for all their assistance.
University Challenge 2008Following the success of last year’s team, St Cross once again entered University Challenge in 2008.
This year’s team was Tom Birkett (captain, MSt English Language & Literature), Jessica van der Meer (MPhil Development Studies), Sara Lenehan (MPhil Social Anthropology), Edmund Hunt (MPhil Economics) and Julie Hamilton (PRS Archaeology).
Having made it through the shortlisting, the team were unlucky enough to be knocked out in the final pre-TV round. However, as with all competitions, the taking part is the important factor and the team take away valuable experience to help them in their quest for the University Challenge title next year.
A New Family Sets Up Home in St Cross
As an oasis of calm in the middle of the busy city centre, the St Cross quads have a habit of attracting a fair amount of wildlife. For the last few years St Cross has been lucky enough to become home to a pair of ducks who were joined by an adorable troupe of 8 ducklings this spring!
Having set up home in the bike shed, the new arrivals made quite a stir, attracting a fair few visitors. As you'll see from the photograph, Mrs Duck was a naturally protective mother which caused some disruption for those wanting to access their bikes. However, the little family only stayed a few days, until the ducklings were
strong enough to make the journey to the river. Here’s hoping Mrs Duck liked the accommodation enough to come back again next year!
COLLEGE NEWS
Pieke Directs New Oxford China Centre
Dr Frank Pieke, Fellow and Director of Oxford’s Institute for Chinese Studies has been appointed Director of the newly established University of Oxford China Centre.
In these times of growing economic and cultural links with China, the Centre will provide a focus for China-related study across the University, connecting academics and university-wide ‘research clusters’ in both the Humanities and Social Sciences Divisions. The centre will also play a key role in the University’s strategy to strengthen its relationship with China and other centres of scholarship in Chinese studies worldwide.
Dr Pieke, who is also the Director of the British Inter-University China Centre (involving Oxford, Bristol and Manchester Universities), said “Oxford University is already Europe’s leading centre for the study of China. The UOCC will consolidate what has been a very successful period of recent growth and expand China-related study even further, as well as strengthening the relationship between a world-leading university and a rising global power.”
A Distinctive Year for St Cross Fellows
We are proud to announce that 9 Fellows were among those offered titles of distinction during the academic year 2007/08. They are:
Nick Bostrom Professor of Applied EthicsMary Bosworth Reader in CriminologyGavin Dalton Reader in AstrophysicsMarina Jirotka Reader in Requirements CaptureRana Mitter Professor of the History and Politics of Modern ChinaAndy Pollard Professor of Paediatric Infection and ImmunityDerek Siveter Professor of Earth SciencesLee Sweetlove Reader in Plant BiochemistryJames Taylor Professor of Decision Science
Adding to this success, Alumnus Dr Joel Ouaknine was made Reader in Computer Science and Member of Common Room, Dr Fiona Macintosh was made Reader in Greek and Roman Drama. Finally, Member of Common Room Ian Thompson was made Professor of Engineering Science.
Fellows Honoured With Teaching Awards
The Fellowship of St Cross has once again been acknowledged to be of the elite, following the presentation of the 2007 Teaching Awards. Professor James Taylor and Professor David Anderson were the St Cross academics to be distinguished with an award, which recognises excellence in College and University teaching. Alumnus Dr Joel Ouaknine (1995, DPhil Computer Science) was also amongst the Oxford academics to receive this distinction.
Professor Taylor, Dr Ouaknine and Professor Anderson are among the 98 award winners selected by the Learning Institute from across the University and were presented with their awards at a ceremony at Rhodes House on 13th November 2007.
Honorary Degree for Former Fellow
Professor Grace Wahba (Fellow 1975 - 1976) was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of Chicago in 2007.
Professor Wahba, currently the I. J. Schoenberg Professor of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was distinguished with this honour in recognition for an extensive body of work in statistical model building and machine learning.
Floridi Elected to Gauss Professorship
Professor Luciano Floridi has been elected Gauss Professor by the Göttingen Academy of Sciences, for the academic year 2008-09. Every year, the Göttingen Academy of Sciences (Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen) elects a Gauss Professor (Gauß-Professur der Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen) to honour the memory of the great scientist.
This prestigious Professorship is usually awarded to: "important scientists in one of Gauss' fields of interest" - astronomy, mathematics or physics. Recipients have included Nobel Laureates, but Professor Floridi is the first philosopher ever to be elected. The Laudatio awarded him the Gauss Professorship in recognition of his work on the philosophy of information.
JRF Named Young Research Worker
Junior Research Fellow, Dr Simon Macdonald, was awarded the 'Young Research Workers Prize' in Cardiology Basic Science at the British Cardiac Society in Manchester during June 2008.
Hedges Awarded Royal Medal
Professor Robert Hedges has been awarded a Royal Medal of the Royal Society for his contribution to the rapid development of accelerator mass spectrometry and radiocarbon dating techniques.
As Deputy Director of the Laboratory of Archaeology and the History of Art, Oxford, Professor Hedges' research focuses on the recovery of information about humans and animal diets and ancient environments from archaeological sites. Professor Hedges' work with mass spectrometry and radiocarbon dating has proved to be exciting not only technologically, but also because of the rare insight it offers into the lives of those found at archaeological sites.
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
All Change for College Officers
As of January, the major academic roles within College will receive an injection of new blood.
The role of Vice Master will be taken up by Plant Scientist Dr Nick Kruger, who previously served the College in the key role of President of Common Room. Taking over from Nick will be Dr Fernanda Pirie, a Lecturer in Socio-Legal Studies, who joined the Fellowship in 2007 and has since become a key St Cross member of the Wolfson College Boat Club. The new Senior Tutor will be Archaeologist, Dr Kate Scott and taking over as Tutor for Admissions will be Dr Joanna Ashbourn, an Astrophysicist who previously served as Director of IT.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the departing Officers: Professor Helena Hamerow, Dr Jan-Georg Deutsch, Dr Peter Thompson and Dr Nick Kruger for all their hard work in these very important positions and offer our congratulations and best wishes to the new team.
SalveteSt Cross is proud to welcome the Chief Executive of Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, Mr Trevor Campbell Davis as a Fellow by Special Election. Mr Campbell Davis is pictured left at a dinner held in June to welcome him.
We would also like to extend a warm welcome to the following new Fellows:
Professor K W Fulford (Fellow by Special Election – Warwick Medical School)Dr Glenn Swafford (Fellow by Special Election – Research Services)
And Junior Research Fellows:Dr Simon FisherDr Alistair McCormickDr Anastassia Loukina
ValeteWe wish Dr Daniel Buck all the very best on his departure from Oxford to take up a post with the Department of Geography at the University of Oregon and to Dr Oliver Watson, who departed Oxford in May 2008, to take up the post of Director of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. We also bid farewell to Professor Emily Hannum who is returning to the USA.
With the end of another academic year. we must bid a fond farewell into retirement to four Fellows.
Dr David Browning, Ms Lesley Forbes, Dr Arthur MacGregor and Professor Emilie Savage-Smith will all be retiring as of September 2008.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work for the College.
Double Research Award for Savulescu
Professor Julian Savulescu, Fellow and Director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, has recently been awarded two major research grants.
Following a grant worth more than £800,000 by the Wellcome Trust, Professor Savulescu will be opening the UK first Neuroethics centre. The Oxford Centre for Neuroethics will follow in the wake of the recent developments in Neuroscience and will question the moral limits of the use of technology in brain imaging and manipulation.
Furthermore, the Arts and Humanities Research Council has also granted Professor Savulescu more than £570,000 to conduct a three year project on ‘Science and Religious Conflict'. The project, which will be hosted within the Faculty of Philosophy, will explore the relationship between religious belief and moral judgment.
Filming Continues Apace
Filming for the new BBC4 series on the History of Christianity with Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch continues apace.
As you may remember we reported in last year’s issue of Crossword that Professor MacCulloch had already completed filming in a number of exotic locations for the series, such as Switzerland, Mexico, the USA, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany and Ghana, as well as the UK. Further filming is still to be completed in China, Korea, India, Ethiopia, Russia, Syria, Israel, Italy and Brazil, with broadcast for the series scheduled in HD format during 2009.
Acclaim for Savage-Smith
Professor Emilie Savage-Smith received acclaim for her most recent work: “Medieval Islamic Medicine” (with co-author P.E. Pormann), published by the Edinburgh University Press when it was awarded the 2008 British-Kuwait Friendship Society Prize in Middle Eastern Studies.
The work has been hailed as: 'An outstanding contribution to a very important field. This text will make a lasting contribution to the history of science in general, and to the study of premodern Islamic medicine in particular” (Jonathan Brockopp, Pennsylvania State University).
Bostrom Examines 21st Century Risks
Professor Nick Bostrom has recently co-edited a collection of essays entitled “Global Catastrophic Risks” (OUP, 2008).
The collection examines the gravest risks facing humanity in the 21st century, including natural catastrophes, nuclear war, terrorism, global warming, biological weapons, totalitarianism, advanced nanotechnology, general artificial intelligence and social collapse. It also addresses over-arching issues, policy responses and methods for predicting and managing catastrophes.
Professor Peter KillworthIt is with great sadness that we must report the passing of former Fellow Professor Peter Killworth. Professor Killworth was a Fellow by Special Election from 1990 to 1995 during his time in post as the Senior Principal Scientific Officer and Head of Natural Environment Research Council. Professor Killworth was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in October 2005, but continued to work right up to the end in January in his post as Research Professor in Oceanography at the National Oceanographic Centre in Southampton. Our deepest sympathies to Professor Killworth’s family.
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Junior Member Ties Knot Junior Member Thad Parsons (DPhil Modern History) wed his fiancee Jill Petraglia (MA Anthropology of Development, University of Sussex) on 1st Sept 2007 at Hodgin Valley Farm in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, USA. The radiant bride was escorted down the aisle by her brother, Curtis Petraglia, to a beautiful late afternoon ceremony held outdoors by the lake. The reception was held in the farm's barn where guests were treated to a traditional North Carolina barbecue, accompanied by locally produced beer and wine.
Double Development Studies Prizes
St Cross students have proved their excellence once again as two prizes were awarded to St Cross MPhil Development Studies students.
Kathleen Sexsmith (pictured) has been awarded the Eugene Havas Memorial Prize for the best overall performance in the MPhil in 2008 and Alexandra Lowe has been awarded the Papiya Ghosh Thesis Prize for the best mark achieved for an MPhil thesis in 2008. Congratulations to them both.
Marshall Designs Outstanding DPhil Poster
Matthew Marshall (DPhil Materials) was awarded the Rolls Royce Prize for the best poster in the Scientific Conference category of this year’s Poster Competition.
The poster, entitled “Formulation and evolution of anatase-TiO2*(001) on SrTiO3(001)” was praised by the judges for its outstanding quality and effectiveness.
Student President Wins Idea Idol
Alex Oshmyansky (DPhil Mathematics) has been crowned Idea Idol in a "Dragons Den" style competition held at the Said Business School in February.
Representing his fledgling company Attitude Medical, with his business partner Dan Nicolau, they presented the judges with their idea for a simple way to combat hospital infections; a device which releases antiseptic every time a hospital door handle is used.
Gaining further kudos and an additional £500 prize money to add to the £4500 for the main competition, Alex & Dan were also presented with the People’s Choice Award for their idea, having won the vote of 300 local entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, business people and students. Alex said "It is fantastic to win. The use of our product will dramatically lower transmission rates and help save lives, while tapping into an enormous and unexplored market."
President Alex Oshmyansky Vice President Katie McCulloughTreasurer Kathleen Sexsmith Secretary Philip LittlewoodSocieties Rep Brian HarringtonWelfare Officers Sarah Hutchinson & Rid DasguptaSports Rep Clifford SofieldHealth and Safety Rep Laela AdamsonBar Manager Thad Parsons IIIJunior Dean Chris Ferguson
LGB Reps Sam Clendon & Amy HinsleyEnvironment Officers Maria Spirova, Tamar Pataridze & Jemma Jones Social Secretary Simone De CassanExternal Affairs Rep Wambui KamiruArts Rep Laura ErtmerBall Chair Amy McLennanArts Rep Samantha EdgleyCareers Rep Vasanth Manickam & Jing LuIT Officer Ronald KaindaLibrary Rep Harith Bin Ramli
Student Representative Committee Officers 2007-8
Clifton Wins Best Student Prize
Junior Member David Clifton (DPhil Engineering Science) won the Best Student Paper Prize at Condition Monitoring 2008, the UK conference for predicting catastrophic failure in critical systems in Edinburgh during July.
The award was given for work completed with Prof. Lionel Tarassenko as part of his DPhil research on predicting the behaviour of complex systems, specifically predicting failure in Eurofighter and Airbus A380 engines. David described the work saying, “we used applied machine learning techniques to monitor ‘vital signs’ of the jet engines, and detect abnormal events so that failure and hazard can be avoided.” The techniques have proved so effective that they have recently been patented for use by Rolls-Royce.
Students Compete in Ultra Marathon
Alex Oshmyansky (DPhil Mathematics) and Alumnus Vaughan Dutton (2005, DPhil History of Science) have joined the ranks of the most dedicated athletes by journeying to South Africa in June to compete in the Comrades Ultra Marathon.
First held in 1921 as a tribute to the fallen heroes of World War I, this race has become legendary within running circles as the ultimate test of physical and mental stamina. Starting at sea level in the centre of Durban, the race finishes in Pietermaritzburg at an altitude of 650 meters. On the way, runners encounter 5 major hills,
popularly known as the "Big Five" and cover a total distance of 89 kilometres (56 miles).
Vaughan completed the race in an impressive 11 hours 27 minutes and raised £270 for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
STUDENT NEWS
Dates for your diaries:Tues 21st Oct St Cross Business Ethics LectureThurs 4th Dec Winter Drinks ReceptionTues 9th Dec Carol ServiceThurs 11th Dec Birmingham Christmas Market TripWeds 4th Feb 1965 Club Annual DinnerTues 10th Feb Patrons of St Cross Annual DinnerThurs 26th Feb St Cross Africa Lecture Fri 20th Mar Fred’s LunchWed 24th June Encaenia
Tales from the Wooden HutBy Dr Ruth van Heyningen
When the decision was made to found St Cross for Senior Members of the University who were not College Fellows, but who were entitled to be, the search was on for its first Principal. My husband, Kits van Heyningen, had been one of the driving spirits behind this movement, but had no thought of taking on the role of Principal. However, he was chosen; and once chosen, it was clear that he was already full of ideas about how to do the job, and he took it on with his usual enthusiasm.
He was appointed Principal (later we changed the title to Master) of St Cross College in 1965, and one of the first things to do was to demolish the dilapidated Rectory and some other buildings on the site that had been allocated to us on St Cross Road. This done, under the guidance of Jack Lankester, the University Surveyor at the time, a wooden hut was erected close to a pretty Victorian School house, with a small dwelling attached. The schoolroom was used as our Meeting Room and Library, and our Porter and Housekeeper, Mr & Mrs Collins lived in the dwelling. The hut contained a large common room, two offices, a kitchen etc. Kits was determined that, once one was inside, it would not feel like a hut. He chose all the decorations and the furniture – wall paper, carpets, curtains, tables, chairs; everything. Earlier contributions to “Tales from the Wooden Hut” confirm that he succeeded. The Common Room, where we met every weekday, talking over lunch, was beautiful, with no hint of its temporary nature.
But perhaps Kit’s greatest achievement was to create that particular atmosphere of camaraderie and shared values that were so particularly St Cross’s in its early days. It is still the same now.
Our first Governing Body meeting was thrilling: none of the Fellows (3 women and 27 men) had any experience in college management. The meeting was animated and went on for a long time. Afterwards, we all went into the common room and, over tea, continued to get to know one another, and to discuss the shape the College was to take.
In the very early days we were only a body of Fellows, but we were anxious to start fulfilling our purpose as a College for graduate students, albeit in a small way – because we only had a small hut in which to accommodate them. Kits had always intended, and everyone agreed, that Fellows and Students should be on equal terms within the College – no High Table or Graduate Common Room. It was not long before we welcomed our first five students and put that principle into practice.
Restoration of Main SiteBy Samantha Edgley (MSt, History of Art & Visual Culture)
During the last half-century the site of St Cross College and Pusey House has continually been evolving, developing and improving. Central to this progress has been the restoration and conservation of the main site building. Just prior to St Cross College’s relocation in 1982 to the picturesque site on St Giles, the building underwent a major project to clean the stone work in, what is now known as; ‘ The Richard Blackwell Quadrangle’. This year the distinctive 'Four Colleges Arch' underwent a similar restoration project that has markedly improved the facade of the site (as visible on the front cover of this issue). The contractors utilised a wet-blast method which incorporated air, water and fine Australian Garnet to give the St Cross arch a much improved appearance. This is one example in a long line of developments which St Cross College has undertaken. The College archives provide a wealth of photographic evidence which clearly illustrate the changes that have shaped St Cross’ style. The expansion and development of the college site has provided space for improved facilities, and enabled more students to take up places at St Cross, thus becoming part of the Colleges’ ever evolving history. A visual representation, for the achievements of the past and the promise of the future, could be the 'Four Colleges Arch’: standing as it does between the traditional Pusey House design from the 20s and the newer developments of the 90s. The restoration of the arches returns this pivotal piece of architecture to its original appearance.
Image: Picture reproduced with permission of St Cross Archives(This photo illustrates the St Cross College site prior to stone cleaning work in the early 80s. The recent cleaning of the arches has had a similarly dramatic visual effect).
Colloquium Tradition Revived
As part of the College’s mission to Advance Global Conversations, the past year has seen the return of the St Cross Colloquium. Each week during term, two College members, typically a junior member and a senior member, researching similar or related subject areas, have presented their research to an interested audience of their fellow St-Crossers. The new facilities available in the St Cross Room have provided the perfect home for these occasions, giving the presenters the use of a variety of media through which to demonstrate their work. This weekly date in the diary has created quite a following due to the lively debate the presentations often inspire and the opportunity it offers College members to network. The Michaelmas term schedule has already been set in place and promises another enthralling series. All College members are welcome to attend – weeks 3 to 8 at 5.30pm.
Winter Drinks ReceptionThe Oxford and Cambridge Club located on London’s Pall Mall provided the elegant surroundings for the annual Winter Drinks reception at the end of November 2007.
Attended by over 50 guests from the various constituents of the College Membership including a number of Alumni, the evening gave a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends as well as make a few new ones. Professor Julian Savulescu gave an extremely interesting talk on the future of Human enhancement in sport, which created quite a stir and made for a stimulating Q&A session.
TALES FROM THE HUT
By Wambui Kamiru (MSc Afrian Studies)
It takes an idea to form an action and for this action to cause change. 2008 had a difficult start for Kenya; politically, socially and economically. After the 2007 General Elections, rising violence in what had in the past been considered a peaceful country, sent shock waves through all Kenyans and friends of Kenya globally. It was the need first, to counter the misconceptions in the news over the causes of the violence and secondly, the desire to remain involved in the situation that inspired a handful of Kenyans in Oxford to organise the “Kenya Week.” This three day event created awareness regarding the cause of the violence, offered possible solutions and fundraised to assist affected Kenyans via the Red Cross and a smaller charity, Watoto wa Kwetu (children from our place). Watoto wa Kwetu was founded in 2004 and prior to the 2007 elections provided art classes in Mathare to children from different class and ethnic backgrounds. During the unrest, the charity catered to those who had been evicted from Area 4 of Mathare as it became realigned according to the different factions. The Kenyans in Oxford and friends of Kenya were drawn from St. Cross College, St. Antony’s College, the Black Rhodes Scholars Association, Oxford Brookes University and the African Studies Association.
The St. Cross Bar became the intimate venue for an Open Mic Night (pictured right) where live music, poetry and spoken word were the unifying force
among those who attended and contributed to the show. In matching the themed night, the bar served world famous Kenyan coffee and tea and of course, cold Tuskers – a Kenyan brewed beer. The following day at Rhodes House, a debate entitled “The Way Forward” (pictured below) offered possible solutions and created a critical forum for analysis on ethnicity and marginalisation, elections and democracy, as well as the role of the civil society and the diaspora in the new face of Kenya. The week culminated in a packed bop at St. Antony’s Buttery, a key fundraising event which kept people on the dance floor with music from Africa and specifically Kenya’s genge.
What began as one idea among six, in a short time became an action that will eventually bring change. In total the Kenya Week raised £700, which was delivered in person in April 2008 to the Kenya Red Cross and to Jacob Ezigbo the founder of Watoto wa Kwetu. In his thank you letter, Ezigbo wrote that
the money would go into art supplies for the classes in Mathare. These classes seek to create unity among Kenyan children from different ethnic groups and thus bridge the divisions caused by the violence. More importantly, the Kenya Week provided an exchange of ideas and heeded a call to action.
Thank you to those involved in Kenya Week. For more information on Watoto wa Kwetu please email Jacob [email protected].
St Cross Supports Kenya Week at Oxford
Theatrical Trinity TermTo take full advantage of the summer months, Trinity Term this year saw the welcome return of the St Cross Theatre trip. All College members were given the opportunity to see not one, but two Shakespearian offerings with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to enjoy the RSC production of “The Merchant of Venice” in May and a trip to the Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank to see their production of “King Lear”.
The two productions could not have differed more in their staging of the Bard’s work, with “King Lear” making the most of the authentic surroundings of the Globe to bring alive the song, dance, battle and elemental aspects of the text – the storm was quite something to behold! Whereas, the RSC production of “The Merchant” was done in more modern dress and used a more abstract concept for the staging, including using blocks of ice for the 3 caskets.
These theatre trips mark the beginning of a schedule of termly trips for all College members (including Alumni) with the next trip taking place on Thursday 11th December. The Michaelmas trip will visit the German Christmas Market held in central Birmingham and will give College members the chance to pick up some special gifts for Christmas as well as get them in the festive mood! To book your place please contact the Events Officer ([email protected]).
An Enchanted Summer Ball
Trinity term was brought to a spectacular close with this year's College Ball on Thursday 19th June.
The theme this year was "The Enchanted Forest" and saw the College transformed into an idyllic woodland dell, complete with toadstools, wishing wells and mythical creatures. As well as students dressed up as Nymphs, guests were entertained by acrobats and members of the Oxford Imps dressed up as trees. Cleverly disguised in amongst the undergrowth at times, the moving trees certainly added an air of enchantment to the evening.
The merriment started in style with a sumptuous 5 course banquet and carried on into the early hours with dancing in the woodland dell inspired common room.
(photo by Thad Parsons III)
Encaenia The 2008 Encaenia celebrations proved once again to be the perfect way to round off Trinity term.
Despite the traditional British Summertime attempting to throw a meteorological spanner in the works, College members enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the comfort of the Common Room.
Carol Service The festive spirit was very much in evidence on 4th December when the College enjoyed the annual Carol Service, this year conducted by Emeritus Fellow, Prof John Barton.
The service took place once again in the beautiful Pusey Chapel, which was packed as usual with College members all keen to begin the festive season with gusto. They were led by the St Cross College Choir (pictured) who presented a variety of carols; old, new, famous and those slightly less well known, but all beautifully sung.
EVENTS
Martha Claire Hildebrand (2003, MSc Anthropology) and
Ján Sabo (2003, MPhil Politics)
Martha and Jan were wed on 6th October 2007 at Boston Avenue Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
The bride wore a white dress with an asymmetric layered skirt embellished with Swarowski crystals. She was escorted down the aisle by her great uncle Weldon Dean to a graceful evening ceremony held in the church sanctuary.
The reception was held at the Harwelden Mansion, a fitting venue for the evening's culinary and multi-cultural delights.
The bride's Bavarian cream cake was topped with a porcelain dancing couple and was accompanied by the groom's chocolate fountain.
The festivities included the Slovak traditions of breaking a plate for the newlyweds to sweep up and a bride-capping ceremony, the American traditional bouquet and garter toss, and an Argentine Tango performance.
Christina R. Clark (2003, DPhil Development Studies)
Christina was married to Sam H. Kazak in a joint Parsi and Anglican ceremony on 24th May 2008 in Ottawa, Canada.
Dr. Clark-Kazak has also been appointed to an assistant Professorship in refugee studies and humanitarian affairs at Glendon College, York University in Toronto, Canada.
Suzanne Hevelone (1999, MSt Theology)
Suzanne married Lee Pender on October 14, 2007 at First Baptist Church, Arlington, Massachusetts.
Suzanne is completing a PhD at Boston College in theology and is an adjunct Professor at Gordon College. Lee is a journalist.
The couple live in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Aly Kassam-Remtulla (1999, MSt Forced Migration)
Aly is standing for election to the board of the Oxford University Society.
Voting is currently open online at www.alumni.ox.ac.uk.
As an OUS board member, Aly would bring 14 years of volunteer experience in alumni relations. Born in Kenya, raised in Canada and educated in the USA, he hopes to make a contribution to the Society in its stated priorities to engage young, diverse and overseas alumni.
The results of this vote will be announced at the Open Forum on Saturday 20 September, 10 - 11 am at the University Club, so please do go online and register your vote!
Natalia Lorenzoni (2004, MSc Social & Cultural Anthropology)
Natalia was married on the 7th September 2007 to Luis Salavarria, a Templeton College Alumnus.
They met whilst studying in Oxford and were introduced by Natalia’s St Cross flatmate, Keely Stevenson, “she was our ‘cupid.’”
The wedding took place in Natalia and Luis’ native country of Venezuela, at the colonial Santa Rosalia de Palermo church in Caracas.
The happy couple were joined in the celebrations by 170 guests.
ALUMNI NEWS
Dan Forbes-Ford (1996, DPhil Clinical Medicine) and
Jane Forbes-Ford (1996, DPhil Pharmacology)
Dan and Jane Forbes-Ford are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter Emily Rose, who arrived during a trip to France!
The family are doing well and we offer our sincere congratulations!
Mehari Taddele Maru (2004, MSc Forced Migration)
Mehari is currently working as Programme Director of the Migration Programme at African Union Commission, Addis Ababa and as Executive Director of the African Rally for Peace and Development.
Mehari assumed these positions after holding fellowships at Harvard University and Max Planck Institute and completing his MPA from Harvard University in 2007.
Dimple Godiwala-McGowan (1993, DPhil English Literature)
Dimple had a new book "Alternatives within the mainstream II: Postwar British Queer Theatres" published on 1 October 2007 by Cambridge Scholars Press.
Genny Tunbridge (1987, DPhil Modern History)
Genny moved north from Chelmsford in November 2006 to become Vicar of All Saints' Church, Gosforth (a suburb of Newcastle). She’s enjoying the new job very much and also enjoying living in such an exciting city.
Genny has recently taken the opportunity to explore one aspect of local culture by starting to learn to play the Northumbrian pipes!
Feng Chen (1997 DPhil Engineering)
Feng was married to Donald Bruce Hileman at All Saints' Episcopal Church, Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA on 22 June 2007
Kristen Shepherd-Barr (1993, DPhil English)
Kristen is now a University Lecturer in English and Modern Drama and a Tutorial Fellow of St. Catherine's College here in Oxford.
Kristen is also proud to announce the arrival of baby Gavin who joins older brothers Callum (4) and Graham (8).
Johanna Boersch-Supan (2005, MPhil Development Studies)
Johanna was married in June to Linacre student Jonas Boehringer.
Following a small civil ceremony held with family on June 20th in Johanna’s native city, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, the couple celebrated their marriage with a catholic wedding ceremony in a chapel near Düsseldorf.
Johanna and Jonas were joined by over 100 guests, including many friends from Oxford, for the festivities, which were held at Jonas’ parents estate near Düsseldorf.
Zach Schauf (2004, MPhil Oriental Studies) and
Lauren Chitwood (2005, MPhil Latin American Studies)
Zach & Lauren announced their engagement this spring.
Having met at St Cross during Lauren’s first year, Lauren recalls “It's funny, I remember the Bursar mentioning in her welcome speech that our future spouse might be in the room and we just hadn't met them yet!”
Zach proposed on Valentine's Day over a candle-lit dinner. When he got down on one knee, Lauren was so shocked that she fell out of her chair next to him on the floor!
The happy couple are considering a small destination wedding possibly in December 2009.
ALUMNI NEWS
St Crosser Elected Womens’ Captain
Junior member Amy McLennan (MPhil Medical Anthropology) has been elected to the women’s captaincy of the Wolfson College Boat Club. Having had an excellent year rowing with the Women’s 1st VIII, Amy has got her captaincy year off to a good start with a slew of victories at several summer regattas.
Crossfire Christening After a very successful weekend of rowing in the Torpids, St Cross christened the new Men's 2nd Boat for the Wolfson College Boat Club on 25th February.
At a naming ceremony at the University College boathouse, which is used by Wolfson College Boat Club, members from both Wolfson and St Cross gathered to drink a toast to the new boat. "Crossfire", which is decked out in St Cross colours, was given the name in recognition for the contribution that the St Cross rowers make to the Wolfson College Boat Club.
After toasting the success of the new boat, she was then taken for a paddle down the river by a crew of 8 St Cross rowers all wearing the St Cross training kit: Clifford Sofield, Amy McLennan, Ian Hart, Hubert Bastide, Mariano Beguerisse Diaz, Ben Power, Brian Harrington & Stephanie Solywoda, with Dr Fernanda Pirie as cox (pictured left).
Summer Eights Success
This year's Summer Eights saw an impressive collective performance by St Cross Rowers. With 16 St Crossers chosen to form part of the crews for the 6 boats Wolfson entered into the competition, St Cross has become an integral part of the Wolfson College Boat Club.
The weekend saw an outstanding series of rows from all 6 crews, with every crew bumping at least twice over the four days. By the end of the weekend every crew (bar one) had moved up through the divisions, with the Men's 1st VIII finishing at 4th place in Division II; their highest ever ranking.
The boat club ranked third overall in Summer Eights, and our men's boat club ranked first among men's clubs, with 11 bumps among the 3 crews. Congratulations to all the crews:
Men's 3rd VIII - Two bumps. Moved up two places to 3rd in Div VII (StXer: cox Claire Woods).
Women's 3rd VIII - Two bumps, and was overbumped once. Dropped one place to 10th in Div VI (StXers: Alice Kennedy and Laura Burnes).
Men's 2nd VIII - Two bumps and one overbump. Moved up five places to 9th in Div V; a fixed division; so they don't have to 'row on' next year. (StXers: Ian Hart, Ben Power, Brian Harrington, and Mariano Beguerisse Diaz).
Women's 2nd VIII - Two bumps, and was bumped once. Moved up one place to 2nd in Div IV (StXers: Victoria Reuter, Annie Demosthenous, and Claudia Chien).
Women's 1st VIII - Three bumps. Moved up three places to 7th in Div II (StXers: Amy McLennan, Lisa Mol, Stephanie Solywoda, and Lindsay Burton).
Men's 1st VIII - Four bumps. Moved up four places to 4th in Div II; the men's highest position ever in Summer Eights (StXers: Cliff Sofield and Rob Rayner).
Rugby
Captaincy Glory for St Cross
On Friday 8th February, St Cross junior member Peter Clarke was elected 2008 Oxford University Rugby Football Club Captain. Having earned his stripes at the Leicester Tigers Academy and the Norths Club in Brisbane, Peter played as Flanker in the 2007 Blues team and was elected by his fellow teammates.
Peter commented that he feels tremendously honoured to be elected Captain and is looking forward to leading the club over the next 12 months, adding "It is a pleasure to fly the flag for St Cross!"
Cricket
The cricket team had a very successful season, winning every league game that the weather permitted them to play.
They finally finished second in the league to St Peter’s College, but only by virtue of the weather permitting St Peter’s to play one more game than St Cross!
Telling St Cross contributions came in the form of Andy Jones (a wicket-keeper with both lightning reflexes and wit!), Neil Casey (an aggressive middle- order batsman who hit a match-winning 50 against Lincoln), and Ben Power (improved much as a batsman and a heroic fielder!).
Football The Wolfson-St Cross Football team had another successful year with the following St Crossers lending the team their abilities: Brent Beery, Jimmy Reade, Alex Free, Oleg Grynyuk, Mustapha Sheikh, Ricardo Da Costa and Wesley Briscoe.
The highlight of the season was participating in the 'Doxbridge' tournament held in Dublin in April. Wolfson-St Cross made it through to the semi-finals of the tournament involving 20 college football teams from Oxford, Cambridge and Durham Universities.
St Cross was represented in the team by David McCabe, who scored during the final group stage match against New College B (Oxford), and Andrew Jones, who scored with a stunning 30 yard volley in the opening match against Van Mildert College (Durham). Hatfield College (Durham) took the victory in the semi-finals against a Wolfson-St Cross side that was down to 9 men. However the team had the honour of being the last remaining team from Oxford or Cambridge in the competition and were also awarded the prize for “understated sartorial amusement”, given for their fawn linen suits and red tie team dress uniform.
Rowing
SPORTS NEWS
