Cambridge University has its most successful year of fundraising

Vice-Chancellor makes his final start of year speech

The University of Cambridge has raised £210 million pounds this year, its most successful ever.

It’s all in aid of the university’s ambitious £2 billion ‘Dear World… Yours, Cambridge’ fundraising campaign, funding the university’s world worldwide.

The total raised now stands at £743 million.

Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, celebrated the importance of philanthropy in his final annual address to the University at the commencement of this academic year.

In his seventh and final October 1 speech the Vice-Chancellor said: “The collegiate nature of the University has been, and remains, one of our greatest strengths.

“Bound inextricably by history, and by a joint responsibility for students, today the University and the 31 colleges work in a common endeavour more closely than at any time I can remember.

“This has been particularly true since the launch, at the end of last year, of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the collegiate University’s history.

“Philanthropy is critical to us. It underpins our academic autonomy, and allows us to deliver our transformative research. It brings the best people to study and work with us. They are the people who will produce ideas that change the world.

“Philanthropy is the catalyst for discovery – and it ensures that discoveries continue, even at a time of unparalleled financial challenges. To all of our benefactors we owe our immense, continued gratitude.”

Speaking about the announcement Professor Ian White, Master of Jesus College and Chair of the Colleges’ Committee, said: “Collegiate Cambridge has many strengths. It gives our remarkable students an extraordinary learning experience. It allows us to attract and support outstanding people - academics and students alike. It provides a vibrant space in which people are free to explore their ideas together, and develop new thinking that creates transformational ideas. It is these strengths that have been recognised by the generosity of our supporters.”

Campaign co-chair Dr Mohamed A. El-Erian said: “Cambridge transforms lives and improves the wellbeing of many, so I am delighted this campaign has gained such traction and will help Cambridge deliver more to more people. We are extremely grateful to the donors for a generosity that empowers so many across the University and Colleges to continue their hard and influential work.”

Fellow co-chair Sir Harvey McGrath said: “The University of Cambridge has had a huge impact on the world in many different ways. This outstanding support will help us to continue answering difficult questions and rising to the challenges humanity faces in the 21st century.”