Chancellor's Circle Annual Dinner 2025

The Chancellor’s Circle 

The Chancellor’s Circle recognises those who have made exceptional philanthropic contributions to Durham University. This group has helped ensure that Durham remains at the forefront of learning and research and secures the future of the University.  

This year, ten new members were inducted into the Chancellor’s Circle. Their support has transformed lives, opened doors to new possibilities, and helped shape a brighter future for our University community. 

 Highlighting impact 

This year, we celebrated in particular  the impact of generous donations to our libraries and collections. The Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions teams care for more than 100,000 objects spread across the University. Our collections date from 250,000 years ago to the present day and hail from 60 different countries worldwide.  

 Some of our Chancellor’s Circle members have donated culturally-significant artefacts to the University. Durham University plays an important role as the custodian of precious artefacts and these donors enrich the cultural lives both of our University and the wider community.  

 To highlight the powerful impact of these gifts, Craig Barclay, Head of Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions, and Rachel Barclay, Senior Curator at the Oriental Museum, shared how invaluable bequests and private donations have shaped the growth and richness of Durham’s collections. Our museums and collections have been built on the passion and vision of private collectors who have chosen to preserve their legacies by entrusting their treasures to the University. These generous contributions continue to enrich our teaching and research, while strengthening the exhibitions and galleries. 

Guests also had the pleasure of hearing from Dr Emily Williams, an archaeologist involved in the excavation of the Melsonby Hoard, one of the most significant Iron Age discoveries in the UK. Comprising more than 800 objects dating back over 2,000 years, the hoard offers remarkable insight into Britain’s ancient past. 

 Showcasing our talent  

The evening also celebrated the exceptional talent within our student body. Guests were welcomed by a mesmerising guzheng performance from Junyao Li, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese music. 

The evening featured a dynamic performance by Northern Lights, Durham’s award-winning, student-led A Cappella group. The group has achieved much critical acclaim over the last few years, proudly representing Durham University, the North East of England, and the UK on the global stage. In April, they made history at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) finals in New York, placing third in the world after competing against nine other A Cappella groups from across the US and Canada. Their achievement embodies the excellence and ambition we strive for as a university.