Junior Deans use Annual Fund support to spread cheer to students and host art competition
Student welfare was front and centre of recent Annual Fund awarding which spread cheer over the festive period and beyond with a range of creative initiatives, including a winter art competition that attracted stunning entries.
Through the generosity of donors to Green Templeton College, the Annual Fund provides grants for academic-related activities and support for college life.
Funding was awarded to the Junior Deans – Hettie Davies, Charlotte Lee and Carlos Outeiral – to brighten up the holiday season, particularly for those students unable to take part in household group activities through reasons such as COVID-19 isolation, health or availability of others, and for those remaining in college accommodation over Christmas.
The Junior Deans put together bags of festive decorations to deliver to students in college accommodation over the festive period.
Bags of festive decorations and craft kits were delivered to students’ front doors to ensure those remaining in college accommodation knew the Welfare Team was looking out for them, and were available to be contacted at any time, and to increase festive spirit for those unable to see family or friends.
There was a further treat on Christmas Eve for students in college accommodation, with Carlos baking several festive treats that were delivered to students’ doors.
In parallel, funding was used for a complimentary candy cane service to allow Green Templeton students to send each other candy canes with randomly generated compliments, which were placed into pidges at The Lodge. The aim was to increase the sense of community and communication within college and instil a ‘check on your neighbour’ mentality.
Annual Fund support also helped towards the Junior Deans’ winter art competition, open to all current students. The prize was a hamper of self-care items sourced, where possible, from local shops.
The winner was Thomas Gordon-Colebrooke, who produced a series of four wildlife photographs, including the beautiful images on this page showing a festive robin and a pair of swans on the Thames.
Thomas Gordon-Colebrook won the winter art competition with a series of four photographs, including this festive shot of a robin
Another of Thomas Gordon-Colebrook’s winning photographs was this beautiful image of swans on the Thames
Finally, the financial aid allowed the Junior Deans to buy nearly 100 desk plants for GTC students in both college and private accommodation, which were either delivered to front doors or placed on a COVID-secure outside pick-up stand for people to collect.
The plants, purchased from a family-owned garden centre, originated from sustainable sources, and came in fully recyclable postage and packaging. The Junior Deans said they chose to distribute plants because plants have been shown to increase mental health and ‘self-care’.
Praise for the Junior Deans!
More than 360 students were involved in and benefitted from the initiatives all together, with some participating in multiple activities. Anonymous feedback included:
“This is so sweet. It really means a lot for us staying here in the holidays. I appreciate it a lot.”
“I’ve had a really stressful term and I really appreciate you giving us the chance to get involved with student activities again.”
“How sweet and thoughtful this is… Thank you for looking after us and all that you do.”
“As I’m remaining in Oxford last minute, I really appreciate the team thinking of those left behind unexpectedly after believing I’d be with family for Christmas.”
More information
Find out more about the Annual Fund.
The Junior Deans have undergone training in crisis control, pastoral support and confidentiality. They are a good point of contact for students unsure who to contact about specific college or university queries, and are often the first point of contact for students experiencing issues that affect their welfare. Contact the Junior Deans via jd@gtc.ox.ac.uk or +44(0)7868 185963.
More entries from the winter art competition
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- Submitted by Alexandra Pavliuc
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- Submitted by Greco Malijan
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- Submitted by Janina
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- Submitted by Rosemary Walmsley
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- Submitted by Thomas Gordon-Colebrooke
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- Submitted by Thomas Gordon-Colebrooke
Congratulations to everyone who`s graduated on Saturday 23 May.
Echoing what alumna Catherine Heffernan (DPhil Sociology, 1998) said in her speech, we hope you enjoyed every second of your graduation.
👏You have earned your degree - a major milestone in your life.👏
#Graduation
#OxfordUniversity
#GreenTempleton
An evening of reconnection, inspiration and community ✨
On Thursday 21 May, alumni returned to college to meet the students shaping Green Templeton today. Hosted in the Tower of the Winds, the evening brought together alumni across generations and disciplines for conversations, shared experiences and new connection 🤝
We are delighted to announce Green Templeton’s Community & Giving Week, taking place from 20–26 June 2026🥳
Throughout the week, we’ll be raising funds for student support while celebrating our wonderful community. There will be opportunities to volunteer you time to help our students, take part in college competitions and unlock additional funds through community challenges.
Early giving is now open, and thanks to a group of generous supporters, we have £20,000 to match donations ahead of 20 June.
Explore our Giving Week platform and make an early gift - link in bio!
📷 The Green Templeton College Photography Competition 2026 is now open!
This year’s theme is ‘The student experience’ — and we’re looking for striking, imaginative photographs that explore this and what it means to you!
🟢 Open to: students, alumni, fellows, common room members, associate members and staff
💷 Prize: £200
📅 Deadline: Monday 1 June 2026 at 13:00
Submit up to three photos to: communications@gtc.ox.ac.uk, including when and where they were taken. We can’t wait to see your work!
Return to Green Templeton College during this year’s Meeting Minds weekend 18-20 September.
Join fellow alumni for a late summer BBQ (18) and a formal dinner (19) – two opportunities to reconnect, revisit college, and enjoy Oxford at its best time of year.
For more information and to register visit: https://www.gtc.ox.ac.uk/alumni/engage/alumni-events/
