Dreaming bigger, together: supporting students

What connects an ambitious Arctic expedition to the advancement of adaptive sports? 

The remarkable students at Green Templeton College. 

At Oxford, renowned worldwide as the city of dreaming spires, students are not merely inspired by history – they aspire to make it. Supported by dedicated advisers, accomplished alumni, and generous supporters, Green Templeton students dare to dream higher, achieve more, and overcome new challenges every day. 

Yet ambition often meets barriers that require collective action. Students at Green Templeton often depend on the wider community of alumni, friends, and supporters to help turn their bold visions into realities – indeed, it takes a village. 

Currently, students face diverse and significant needs. Existing resources like the Annual Fund and specialised bursaries already help; however, unique, personal challenges, as well as the ever-increasing cost of living, frequently call for broader support. 

At age 32 Kristin Kostka (DPhil Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, 2024) had her life dramatically altered by a stroke. Now actively engaged in her recovery journey, Kristin is fully integrated in the Boat Club. While the boats themselves do not require adaptation, the intensity of rowing demands specialised coaching tailored to adaptive sports. With trained staff and coaches, sport at Green Templeton could become genuinely inclusive, welcoming and empowering students of all abilities. 

Meanwhile, Sofya Lebedeva (DPhil Clinical Medicine, 2023) leads the Expedition Club on an inspiring Arctic adventure marking its 100th anniversary in 2027. Ambitious expeditions require substantial preparation, funding, and support. Sofya and her team aim to raise up to £40,000 by 2026 for essential equipment, training such as polar bear safety, and logistical needs including travel and provisions. Thankfully, they have already benefited from alumni generosity and believe the community will continue to rise to the occasion. 

Support can profoundly impact students and there are numerous ways to contribute: 

• Make a gift: A direct donation significantly impacts students’ lives. Donations can be made securely via the online portal. 

• Offer influence: Professors, professionals, and influential individuals can assist by providing letters of interest, crucial for gaining diplomatic and institutional support for projects such as Sofya’s expedition. 

• Connect your network: Often, solutions are only six degrees of separation away. Whether through specialists in adaptive sports who could assist Kristin, or someone who might have unused Arctic gear suitable for Sofya, leveraging personal networks can make a significant difference. 

Ready to support Green Templeton students? 

You can donate online or contact the Development Team. The team can match personal interests and abilities to contribute with students’ specific needs. Email or call to explore how involvement can transform lives. 

Kirstin and Sofya’s are but two in a multitude of stories. Together, more Green Templeton students can be empowered to dream bigger and achieve more.