Telephone campaign underway as students begin calling alumni

A telephone fundraising campaign kicked off on Tuesday (18 March) evening at Oriel College. Students are speaking with alumni and asking if they are able to support bursaries and grants, and refurbishment of the beautiful 18th century Senior Library. The campaign will run for two weeks and aims to bring the College closer to its goal of raising £70 million by its 700th anniversary, with less than £5 million left to raise by the end of 2026.

Donations help to secure Oriel College’s future as a centre of excellence for education and research, at a time when other higher education providers are being forced to axe courses and cut costs because of worsening financial circumstances.

Marco Zhang, Director of Development, said: “We hugely value the contributions of all alumni. Regular support allows us to plan for the future, and respond to where our students’ needs are greatest.

“Some students have been affected by cost of living increases more than others, and it is thanks to the generosity of alumni that we are able to give these students additional financial support, helping them to continue to flourish during their time here.

“Our Senior Library contains an academically significant collection of books and manuscripts, some dating back to the 13th century. The planned work will make this collection more accessible to academics from around the world.”

The 2025 Telephone Campaign finishes on 31 March. Alumni who will receive a call from a student seeking support have been notified.