Governing Body is enthusiastic about giving appropriate and agreed recognition to those of its alumni and friends who support the College.

The Nicholas and Dorothy Circles

In 2010 the College launched two new levels of donor recognition: The Dorothy Circle and The Nicholas Circle. Donors who give annually at £5,000 or more will become members of The Dorothy Circle. The Nicholas Circle is for donors who give £1,000 or more on an annual basis. Donors at both levels will be involved in the life of the College through a series of events, such as the annual Circles’ Debate, and regular communications.

1610 Society

Those who pledge to remember the College in their wills and/or have given cumulative lifetime gifts of over £10,000 are awarded membership of the 1610 Society. Now with almost 300 members, the 1610 Society’s Annual Dinner in College is one of the highlights of the events programme.

Foundation Fellowship

Those who have given gifts totalling in excess of £1 million are elected by Governing Body into a Foundation Fellowship. Since the introduction of this special category of Fellow in 1990, there have only been 15 such elections. Foundation Fellowship gives access to the deliberations on the longer term issues and strategy of the College, dining rights on High Table and access to all appropriate College functions and events. The College seeks to invite Foundation Fellows to meet collectively in Oxford and other locations.

Vice-Chancellor’s Circle

Those who give between £250,000 and £1.49 million may be invited to join the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle. Members will receive regular communications about the life and work of the University and will have the opportunity to meet the Vice-Chancellor, Heads of Colleges, senior academics and one another during the University year.

Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors

Those who give in excess of £1.5 million are put forward by the College for membership of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors – the University’s highest recognition of its benefactors. After being installed as a member in a ceremony in the Sheldonian Theatre, members are automatically invited to prestigious University events and have access to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, thus being able to make their views known directly on University policy and strategy. Wadham currently has seven members in the Court of Benefactors.

Naming Opportunities

Additionally, the College recognises individuals, their families and associated organisations by providing Naming Opportunities. These include:

• Naming of academic posts

• Naming of scholarships

• Naming of physical facilities – ranging from major buildings to seminar and teaching rooms

If you require any further information please contact either:

Shona Nicholson on +44 (0)1865 277542, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

John Hewitt on +44 (0)1865 277953, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or write to the Development Office, Wadham College, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PN.