Over the course of 2024, thousands of Pembrokians past and present have celebrated 400 years of Pembroke College. From the story of our foundation in 1624 and the events that preceded it, to the research, impact and community that epitomises Pembroke today; this year has been about celebrating everything, and everyone, that makes Pembroke who we are. 

In November 2024 we were delighted to welcome The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice, to deliver the fortieth Blackstone Society Lecture.

This term, the JCR Art Gallery held an exhibition which spanned five decades of poet and visual artist Krikor Momdjian's career. Having lived in Lebanon, Jerusalem, Paris, Florence, and the Netherlands, Krikor knows a thing or two about what it means to be transcultural; it is no wonder the exhibition was titled ‘Life Map of a Wanderer – Transcultural Relations.’ 

Last week staff came together in Broadgates Hall to celebrate their colleagues who have been working in College for more than 10 years. The Master thanked each Long Service Award winner for their commitment and contribution to the College community.

We are thrilled to extend our warm congratulations to alumna Beth Kume-Holland (2013, History) who has received not one but two awards this Disability History Month!

On 20th November, our Scholars and Exhibitioners new and old assembled in the Pichette Auditorium in their Scholar’s gowns to listen to a Lecture delivered by our Master, the Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder. Our annual Scholars’ Lecture and Dinner is a celebration of the academic achievements of our undergraduate students. 

We are pleased to share that Pembroke alum Professor Mark Thomson (Physics, 1985) has been selected as the next Director-General for The European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN, starting in the new year.

At the end of last year, Sam was featured in the 2023-24 edition of Future Leaders, an annual publication which aims to recognise 150 of the most outstanding Black university students in Britain, with the goal of inspiring and raising attainment across the UK.

Earlier this term, Pembroke College Boat Club christened their new Women’s Boat, naming it after Pembroke alumna and Paralympic gold medallist Erin Kennedy. Members of PCBC, new and old, joined together at the Boat House for drinks and later celebrated the new boat over Formal Dinner in Hall, blazers and all!