Charles Skinner inducted as an Honorary Fellow before Candlemas feast

Skinner, a Classics graduate, has an ongoing history of service to Oriel as the former chair of the Investment Advisory Committee and an external member of the Finance & Estates Committee. He has advised on financial matters and sat on employment panels. He is the CEO of the data management company Restore plc.

The Provost described Skinner as a “great friend to Oriel” and said he is “very grateful” for his many years of contributions to the college, which started with his election as President of the Junior Common Room (JCR) in 1979.

The Provost was Skinner’s contemporary at Oriel and recalled him as a student: “He loved Classics and still enjoys an Horatian ode. He also found time for deep equine sporting analysis and the study of the complex mathematics of gambling.”

Skinner said: “The same as other alumni, I loved my time at Oriel and it shaped my outlook on life. I have been lucky over the past 17 years to have been involved in various ways.

“Oriel is a wonderful community and I feel deeply honoured to be an Honorary Fellow.”

The heads of house of three other Oxford colleges attended the Candlemas dinner. As did representatives from Clare College, Cambridge, and Trinity College Dublin, six new statutory professors at Oxford and other distinguished guests.

The Provost said in a speech that it was a privilege to welcome the guests into “our rare and vibrant community”.

He also used the opportunity to celebrate the success of Oriel’s football team, which is undefeated so far this season, firmly at the top of its division and also through to the quarterfinals in the Cuppers tournament.