Development Report

Alumni Events

Over the course of the year, the College hosted 4 Reunions, an MA Lunch, a Family Day and the annual meeting of the Alumni Council. The 2025 Clare Distinguished Lecture in Economics and Public Policy, supported by the Smithers & Co. Charity, was given by Haruhiko Kuroda with Sir Tim Hitchens as discussant, with a dinner afterwards in the Gillespie Centre. Stewardship events for College donors included the Samuel Blythe Society lunch and the Benefactors’ Garden Party. Hall concerts took place in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms.

Beyond Cambridge, the Master and Fellow for Development visited Washington DC, New York and Boston in September 2024 for a series of individual meetings and alumni gatherings. In New York, alumni were invited to a lecture by the Fellow for Development, and a post-lecture reception, at New York University, through the good offices of David Ratzan (1997). A drinks reception for alumni was held at the Cornell Club of NYC, generously sponsored by David Coulson (1990). The Fellow for Development attended a dinner in Geneva for Switzerland-based alumni in October 2024.

In the UK, the late Douglas Lowe (1957) generously hosted a dinner at the New Club, Edinburgh, in October 2024, for alumni based in Scotland. In December 2024, Abigail Malortie (2001) very kindly made available a private box at the Royal Albert Hall to entertain alumni at a pre-Christmas concert conducted by Honorary Fellow Sir John Rutter. A networking event for Law alumni was held in London in March 2025, hosted by Hogan Lovells LLP with the generous support of partner Christopher Hutton (1995). Such was the success of this event that further subject/sector networking events are being planned. The inaugural ‘Grad Club’ event for donors aged under 30 was held at the Oxford and Cambridge Club in London in April 2025. The twice-yearly London Drinks continues to be hugely popular (the most recent event was held in May 2025), attracting alumni from all generations.

Alumni Communications

The Development Office keeps in touch with alumni through two major print publications (this Review and Clare News), a monthly e-newsletter, and a range of social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram). The Year-Group Representatives (YGRs) also play a valuable role in two-way communication between alumni and the College. YGRs come together each year at the Alumni Council to provide direct feedback, receive reports from the College Officers, and discuss Clare’s future plans, and elect the Alumna/Alumnus of the Year.

Fundraising

Building on the successful conclusion of the £25 million Campaign for Old Court, the Development Office worked with alumni and well-wishers to secure support for the major College priorities, including student support, academic excellence, pastoral provision, and careers advice. Clare received over £4 million in philanthropic income in 2024–25, including a landmark gift of £1.7 million to complete the endowment of a Fellowship in Natural Sciences. In the annual telephone campaign, 15 student callers spoke to over 500 alumni over the two-week calling period, and raised over £250,000, the majority of it earmarked for areas of greatest need. This unrestricted income is essential in enabling Clare to continue delivering a world-class education and college experience. The College has been fortunate to receive a number of significant legacy gifts, and is pleased to be able to thank legators during their lifetime through the Samuel Blythe Society.

In conclusion

I am grateful to the Master (Loretta Minghella), Senior Tutor (Jackie Tasioulas), President of the Fellowship (Simon Franklin), Secretary of the Alumni Council (William Foster) and Deputy Chair of the Alumni Council (Elisabeth Marksteiner) for their ongoing guidance and support; the Co-Chair of the Campaign for Old Court (Alan Gillespie), members of the Old Court Campaign Board and every donor to the College for their generosity and leadership; the Development Office team for their hard work and dedication; members of the Alumni Council, the College’s Development Committee and the wider Fellowship for their encouragement and advice; the College staff for facilitating the development programme in countless ways; and every member of the alumni body who attends events, participates, or otherwise contributes to the work of our alumni engagement, communications and fundraising activities. You are all essential to Clare’s continued success.

Finally, I wish my successor, Erin Nelson, every possible success as the College’s new Development Director.