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A view outside the Palatine Centre

Van Mildert Alumni Celebrate 60 Years - Norman Tower, Windsor Castle

7 April 2025
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Guests gathered in front of the Norman Tower at Windsor Castle

Our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, joined College Principal, Professor Tom Mole and alumni and friends of Van Mildert College on Thursday 3 April for the latest in the celebrations of the College’s 60th anniversary.

Image: Durham University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien with guests.

A beautiful venue

The event took place in the splendid setting of the Norman Tower at Windsor Castle, hosted by Lieutenant General Philip Jones, Governor of Windsor Castle and Van Mildert alumnus Mr Graham Barker.

Tom Mole, VC, Graham Barker, Philip JonesThe evening provided an opportunity for alumni, friends and supporters of the College to strengthen and renew connections in a stunning and historic setting. During the evening, guests were invited to take a tour of St George's Chapel and were entertained by world-class dulcimer player and alumnus Dan Evans.

Professor Tom Mole spoke about the College’s extraordinary history of improving lives and gave an update on the College vision for the future.

Image: Mr Graham Barker, Professor Tom Mole, Professor Karen O'Brien, Lieutenant General Philip Jones

 

Van Mildert College and the jubilee projects

As the Van Mildert community celebrates its first sixty years of transforming lives, it is looking  ahead to the second sixty.  Four projects have been identified: exciting, ambitious and deliverable plans for improving the student experience.  All four focus on creating the sense of belonging that makes Mildert so special. 

  • Student Experience Funding to remove financial barriers and make sure students get the most out of their college life, regardless of their background, interests, and financial situation.  
  • Common Room Space to give students a place to gather, work, socialise and daydream over coffee.  This space will bring livers-out back into college, improve students’ mental health, and be a hub for frank and respectful discussion.  
  • A new Boat House to allow more people to try rowing for the first time and foster a renewed sense of community within the Boat Club.
  • Upgrades to the Ann Dobson Dining Hall to enrich the cultural life of the College and upskill student technical crews, allowing the delivery of more and better events like fashion shows, plays, concerts and formal dinners.

College Principal, Professor Tom Mole said in his speech: "Our alumni have already shown extraordinary generosity, and we’ve been stunned by the response we’ve received.  [...]  I’m enormously grateful for their support and their confidence in us, and I hope their example will inspire others"

 

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