Season’s greetings from Green Templeton!
Wishing happy holidays to everyone!
Our artist-in-residence Weimin He has produced this beautiful image of our iconic Radcliffe Observatory, entitled ‘The Tower of Hope’, to mark the end of Michaelmas 2020.
‘Tower of Hope’. Weimin He, 2020
It has been an unusual year for everyone and we wish a peaceful, happy holiday to all members of our community and a wonderful New Year.
We appreciate this year may be especially difficult for those unable to visit family and friends. We are also mindful the challenges that COVID-19 brings will not take a break over the holidays, so the college is providing full welfare support across the vacation. Find out more about welfare support at Green Templeton over Christmas.
All the latest updates from Green Templeton on COVID-19 can be found here.
As we wind down to the end of the year, you may be interested to look back on our news archive for 2020 and revisit college highlights such as our Giving Day, the Photography Competition 2020, and the launch of our #DIFFERENTEQUAL campaign to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about racism.
The college also welcomed a new Principal earlier this year. Sir Michael Dixon, former Director of the Natural History Museum, joined the college in September. Read our first interview with Sir Michael on his early thoughts on joining Green Templeton.
Of course, much of this year has been dominated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our college community has contributed to the coronavirus challenge in a variety of ways. More about Green Templeton Fellows’ work around COVID-19 is available here, while our Alumni CoVoices pages detail how alumni have been aiding with the pandemic and how their lives have changed.
Finally, if you have some free time over the holidays why not try out a recipe from the Green Templeton kitchen? Our Head Chef Chris Lyford has recommended some delicious and simple recipes to whip up at home!
We look forward to seeing you all in Hilary!
Update 23 December
From Saturday 26 December at 00:01 Oxfordshire will be in Tier 4 (Stay at Home) of the UK Government local restrictions. All indoor facilities will be closed at from that point until further notice.
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/
A tour of the gardens through the eyes of a 15-year-old work experience student.
Maddie Bennett from Bartholomew School in Eynsham spent last week with the communications team at college and found some friendly faces too!
