Univ Record 2018

discussions around the Humanities and the human condition. Univ in the Arts was
launched this year to a capacity audience which filled the historic Music Room of Killick
& Co of Grosvenor Square in London. Jon Earl kindly hosted former Univ historians
Simon Winder (1981, History) and Alex von Tunzelmann (1999, History), who skilfully
discussed how contemporary historians depict their interpretations of history to nonacademic
audiences and how the process of history is affected by commercial contexts.
History was truly well served as the evening was a rousing success. It is also clear that the
Humanities will be further trumpeted by events sponsored under the Univ in the Arts
banner for years to come.
A big thank you goes to all of our event hosts for their leadership and work to make our
events compelling and dynamic representations which capture the interest of Univites.
My appreciation also goes out to all of our event attendees who made the effort to come
out and be part of the “living” College. Their participation, energy, and creative feedback
will ensure that we continue to sponsor activities that are full of substance and fun.
Thanks
I wish to express my appreciation to our vital volunteers who make us a stronger
operation. I thank the members of the College Development Executive, the College
Development Board, the 50th reunion committees of 1967 and 1968, and the Young
Univ Committee. I am also grateful to the Trustees of the Old Members’ Trust and the
members of the OMT’s subcommittees. I especially wish to thank warmly the outgoing
Trustee Gavin Ralston (1976, Classics) for his outstanding leadership and dedication to
the OMT and its finances. Gavin has been an extremely dutiful and effective volunteer
for more than a decade. He has left the Trust in an excellent position to handle future
financial challenges and his departure will be a great loss.
The Development Office thrives on its collaborations with volunteers, but it is the
internal support it receives from its College based colleagues which allows it to function
effectively. This assistance and encouragement begins with The Master who is always
generous with his time and willing to do just about anything to advance our efforts
with OMs around the world. Other College Officers, Fellows on the Development
Committee, our partners in the Treasury, the Academic Office, and the Domestic
Bursary all contribute in meaningful ways to help the Development Office to serve Old
Members optimally.
The members of the Development Office are a special group. They are forthright and
caring people who regularly seek to make the Old Member experience a satisfying one. I
thank them for their reflection and Univ’s friendliness and for their tireless commitment
to our community.
A final bit of gratitude must to go our OMs. Their passion for the College, appreciation
for their student experience, and their desire to see the College excel is deeply inspiring.
I hope that this coming year you will engage with Univ. There are many exciting things
going on involving our students, our Fellows and our Old Members. Please become
an active part of what we do by following us online or by attending a regional event or
College based gathering. We would love to have your involvement. All the best from
10 Merton Street!
William Roth
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