The Annual Fund Series 2015

A new Pembroke tradition, the Annual Fund Series recognises the importance of alumni and friends who support the College and offers them a taste of what their wonderful gifts help us to achieve.

This year's event, on 6th June, kicked off with an exciting presentation from Becky Smethurst (2013, DPhil Astrophysics) about GalaxyZoo.org and her research to calculate the evolutionary pathways of galaxies. Our graduate students enrich our academic community and have even organised College-wide research symposia sponsored by the Annual Fund.

Pembroke’s Chapel Choir performed songs from their repertoire, as they prepare for their forthcoming summer tour to Leipzig, Germany to perform at the Church of St Nicholas and at St Thomas Church (where J S Bach worked as Chapel Master): a trip that would not be possible without our Annual Fund donors.

Alumni and students also heard from Librarian Laura Cracknell about the importance of today’s library and the support it provides to our students as well as the history of some of Pembroke’s treasures from the rare book collection. Funding for such academic resources is a crucial need each year to ensure the success of our students.

Our guest speaker was independent film producer Michael Berliner (2004, PPP), who received a BAFTA nomination this year for his short film which was the pilot for his debut feature How to Live Yours. Michael spoke about breaking into the industry, noting some of the key changes since his career began. Following his talk, Michael was interviewed by Valentina Ippolito (2013, Medieval & Modern Languages), a current DPhil student who, with a grant from the Annual Fund, founded the Pembroke Film Masterclass Series, which bring together students, academics and film aficionados to celebrate the art of cinema right here in Pembroke. Valentina’s interview with Michael led to an insightful discussion about his work and also how his time here a Pembroke helped him to develop the creativity and independent thinking that has progressed his career.

At the Annual Fund Series, the College, including some of the students, have the opportunity to thank many of our Annual Fund donors for their generosity. We know many were unable to join us on the day, but are very grateful for all gifts to Pembroke’s Annual Fund and for the opportunities it creates for all of our students.