Commemoration Weekend 2025
Newnham was thrilled to welcome back a range of year groups for Commemoration weekend including recent graduates (from 2000 and 2015) to groups from 1955 and 1965, as well as a large contingent from 1975 celebrating 50 years since their matriculation.
The weekend began with a chance for the returning alumnae to get together and reminiscence - rekindling old friendships. Principal Alison Rose (NC 1980) chatted with different year groups. The 1975 group posed together for a recreation of their matriculation photo. There were tours of the gardens and the College buildings on offer as well as a chance to visit the Library and to see the Newnham and Bletchley Park: Women’s Work in World War II exhibition. Animated conversations took place over lunch in Clough Hall
In the afternoon the Roll AGM took place. Annette Spencer (NC 1988) stepped down as President of the Roll after serving as President for four years and being on the Roll Committee for a further seven years.
"Annette has been a wonderful President of the Roll and great asset to Newnham. During her time as President, Newnham has celebrated its 150 Anniversary and initiated the Shaping Newnham's Future Campaign to raise £25 million for College. We thank Annette for all her time and service to Newnham and wish her well for the future." Sarah Carthew, Development Director, Registrar of the Roll.
Libby Richards (NC 2005) was announced as the new President of the Roll with Liz Newbronner (NC 1979) and Ruth Shin (NC 2007) elected as the new Vice Presidents.
A highlight of the weekend was the Roll Lecture given by Dr Jane Morris (NC 1971), Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland who was recently featured in The Guardian. She gave a fascinating talk about University Mental health; Should we be concerned about the mental health of our students? You can watch the talk via the below.
In the early evening everyone gathered for drinks in the Principal’s Lodge surrounded by displays of photos from the archives and personal collections.
Dinner followed in Clough Hall with the dinner speech given by Honorary Newnham Associate Carol Seigel (NC 1975). Carol is the former Director of the Freud Museum London, former Vice-Chair of the Charles Dickens Museum and currently Chair of the Old Operating Theatre Museum. After dinner Cara Pearson (NC 2023 President of the JCR) and Pauline Eller (NC 2021 President of the MCR) both made toasts.
It was a wonderful weekend of reminiscing happy student days with the bonds of friendship and memories proving timeless.
Angela Paskins (Igoe NC 1975) wrote:
“Thank you so very much for looking after us so well, also for laying on the most spectacular spring weather which allowed us to enjoy the wonderful Newnham gardens at their very best. What a truly fabulous time we had in every way, and how delightful it was to reconnect with many old friends from days gone by.
For me it was the first time I had returned to Cambridge since graduation in 1979. As soon as I entered college the memories came flooding back, and they were such happy ones. More and more, as the weekend progressed, I found myself reflecting on how very lucky were to have been privileged to study, live (and play!) in this amazing environment. Back in the day I probably did not pause to appreciate it all as much as I should have, but over this weekend I have taken the time to do that. Visiting the library was a particular pleasure, as was walking barefoot through the gardens in the early morning sunlight. This latter was not something I ever did as an undergraduate, as I would never have been up in time!”
