Steve fondly recalls many special memories from his time at Regent’s, struggling to narrow them down to just a few highlights. Among these, he especially cherished the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a world-class tutor each week, including the Principal at the time, Dr Barrie White (a renowned Reformation historian). He also enjoyed mingling with fellow students, many of whom would come to represent the future of the College, like another former Principal, Dr Rob Ellis. Aside from academia, Steve loved rowing in the Regent’s VIII and travelling between terms – especially a two-week trip to what was then the Soviet Union. But what is Steve’s favourite memory? Participating in a sponsored row on the Thames from Oxford to Tower Bridge in London, which took over two-and-a-half days!

The impact of Steve’s time at Regent’s is seen in his career and personal life: “Regent’s expanded my horizons, inspiring me to eventually work for the global investment organisation founded by Sir John Templeton, the benefactor of Green Templeton College.” His Regent’s days also taught Steve the power of networking: he once met Cecil Foster Kemp on a train to London. As a result, Kemp produced a feature on the Regent’s sponsored row, which was televised on the BBC programme ‘Nationwide’!

Personally, Regent’s allowed Steve to establish and maintain enduring relationships with familiar College faces such as former Principal Paul Fiddes, Dr Carroll Stevens, former Delta Air Lines general counsel (and twice JCR President!) Greg Riggs, author Davis T. Bunn and his wife Dr Isabella Bunn, Director of Development Tim Pottle (“along with his lovely family”), and the late, great, Dr Olin Robison.

Since graduating, Steve has been back to see Regent’s and Oxford on several occasions. “I visited last summer and it was wonderful to stroll the ancient streets, through Christ Church Meadow and down to Boathouse Walk.” Steve also met with Regent’s Principal, Sir Malcolm Evans, who “shared his inspiring vision for the future of the College.”

For Steve, “Regent’s is a memory of a time long past, a living part of my daily existence and a vision of things yet to be experienced.” Our special College has been a part of Steve’s family giving plans for several years, as a testament to its impact on his life. When asked why he chooses to support Regent’s, Steve said, “It is only fitting that we acknowledge, in a financial way, the indisputable role of education in the success we have enjoyed in our lives. Throughout history, some of the world’s most innovative and transformative ideas have originated with university students, including those at the highest levels of academia. I am pleased to be investing in our collective future! Now is such a critical time in the history of our beloved College and we have an extraordinary opportunity to expand its footprint within the broader University community.”

Join the campaign for College Status

In 2027, we will begin a ‘long year’ of celebrations for our 100th anniversary of coming to Oxford in 1927. Not only are we celebrating our centenary, but we are also setting off on an exciting journey, working towards fulfilling a long-held dream: gaining full college status for Regent’s. This is a bold step – a once-in-a-lifetime moment in Regent’s history – and one that will shape the future of our College for generations to come. To achieve this, we need every single one of our alumni and friends to get behind us. We would love for you to join us as part of this historic campaign. If you’d like to do so, please considering making a gift to College today. Every contribution, no matter the size, will be vital in gaining collegiate status, and ensuring that the Regent’s experience we all know and love continues for future students. If you’d like to learn more about the campaign and how you can make a real impact, we would love to hear from you – you can email development@regents.ox.ac.uk at any time.

I want to see regent’s gain college status

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Adapted from article in Regent’s Now 2024, p. 20.