The Benefactors' Ceremony and Feast

The annual Benefactors' Ceremony and Feast took place on the 26th April, when the College was pleased to welcome back 21 benefactors and their guests at a ceremony and feast in their honour.

Benefactors and their guests assembled in the OSCR, processing to the Chapel, where they were introduced in Latin by Praelector Dr Michael Loy, and thanked for their support by the President. Current student Millie Clark (2022) performed J.S. Bach's "Courante" from Cello Suite No. 1 on the flute, followed by Ellie White (2020), a fourth-year medic, giving the address. Organ Scholars Jack McCabe (2021) and Zane Soonawalla (2023) played the Organ Voluntary.

After the ceremony, attendees were escorted through the Old Library to view the current exhibition, Reading for a Perfect Society: The Renaissance Library of Sir Thomas Smith (1513-77). A collection of items from composer Charles Villiers Stanford's time at Queens' remained on display for benefactors and their guests to view from the recent Stanford Centenary celebration in College. A drinks reception was held in the Long Gallery of the President's Lodge, followed by the Benefactors' Feast in Old Hall, where the President gave a short speech thanking attendees.

In a departure from previous years, the Commemoration of Benefactors was celebrated in Chapel separately on the 28th April. During the service, a list of historic benefactors from the 15th to the 21st centuries was read out by the President, giving thanks for their service to Queens'.