On June 17th, Howlands Hall of Josephine Butler College was adorned in the college colours as students, alumni, college staff, and members of the Senior Common Room gathered for the much-anticipated Colours Formal. The event served as a prestigious platform to honour the extraordinary efforts and achievements that define the vibrant spirit of the college community.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
Professor Gill Hampden-Thompson, Principal of Josephine Butler College, warmly welcomed the attendees, emphasising the importance of the evening. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions each of you has made to our college community," Professor Hampden-Thompson began. The gathering underscored the profound impact of these contributions, highlighting how they have shaped the culture and success of Josephine Butler College.
The Principal acknowledged that every invitee, irrespective of receiving an award, held a significant place in the college’s heart. The invitation itself was a mark of deep appreciation, signifying valued efforts and achievements that have left a lasting impression on the college community.
Presentation of Colours
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of College Colours, a tradition that acknowledges outstanding contributions across various domains of college life. Vice-Principal Harriet Tebbs took the podium to announce the recipients, each applauded for their excellence in leadership, community service, and commitment to college life.
Full Colours Awardees
Among those honoured, eleven individuals stood out for their exceptional dedication, receiving Full Colours:
Rosa Aziz: Recognised for their excellence in leadership of student welfare support and unwavering commitment to community volunteering.
Eloise Fleming: Honoured for their extraordinary commitment to the wider student experience and support of college life.
Niamh Morton: Awarded for their unwavering commitment to College life and excellence in leadership.
Zeni Pun: Celebrated for their leadership in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the community.
Millie (Amelia) Ward: Recognised for their leadership and extraordinary commitment to supporting College and JCR events.
Mathilde Willson-Drummond: Commended for their excellence in leadership of student welfare support.
Lottie (Charlotte) Gibson: Honoured for their excellence in leadership and an extraordinary commitment to College life.
Sam Sutcliffe: Recognised for their excellence in leadership and longstanding commitment to College life.
Arman Huq: Recognised for their excellence in leadership within the JCR and an extraordinary commitment to College sport.
Helen Elderkin: Awarded for their excellence in mentoring and SCR engagement and leadership.
Pat Hedges: Commended for their service and excellence in food and beverage provision.
Bill Moir: Recognised for their leadership within the SCR and extraordinary commitment to College life.
These acknowledgments underscored the diverse ways in which individuals contribute to the thriving community at Josephine Butler College.
Half Colours Awardees
In addition to the Full Colours recipients, 17 students received Half Colours for their significant contributions. These included Emma Allison for her commitment to volunteering, Charlotte Bishop for her dedication to College life, and Henry Pritchard for his leadership in sport, among others. Each of these students has played a pivotal role in enhancing the college experience for their peers.
Presentation of Prizes
The College Chaplain Andrew Tinkler and Senior Common Room President Bill Moir presented the evening’s prizes, with Lottie Gibson receiving the Jill Tidmarsh Prize for promoting equality and inclusion. The Senior Common Room Community Prize was awarded to Jacob Godley for his voluntary contributions to fundraising events and regional activities.
Closing Remarks
The evening concluded with closing remarks from the Principal, who highlighted the essence of leadership within the college. "Leadership is the lifeblood of any thriving institution. It is the force that drives progress, inspires innovation, and fosters a sense of unity and purpose," she noted. Gill went on to emphasize that leadership within Josephine Butler College is not confined to those in formal positions but is demonstrated through everyday actions and decisions that collectively shape the community. She underscored the importance of influence, empathy, and vision in effective leadership, reminding everyone that these qualities help create an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Principal reflected on how the collective efforts of the college's members foster a strong, supportive, and inclusive community. "At Josephine Butler College, we are fortunate to have a wealth of talented and dedicated individuals who embody the true essence of leadership. These are the individuals who not only excel academically but also invest their time and energy into making our college a better place for everyone," she concluded.
As Howland’s Hall resonated with applause and cheers, it was evident that the Colours Formal was more than an event—it was a testament to the extraordinary spirit of Josephine Butler College, celebrating the leaders who continue to inspire and shape its future.
