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Graduate Scholarships
Investing in the future of higher education and research
Access to graduate study has become increasingly difficult as the cost of living has risen and alternative sources of funding have decreased, but we are committed to enabling the most talented and promising students to pursue research without financial barriers. Christ Church's Graduate Scholars hail from across the world, bringing a diverse range of experience and backgrounds to a multi-disciplinary community here at the House. Thanks to the generous support of donors, we were able to award 54 Graduate Scholarships in 2022/3.
Our goal is to ensure that students following in your footsteps experience all that the House has to offer, regardless of their financial situation. By donating, we will be able to increase the support available to scholars like Layla.
“My time at Oxford has meant so much to me, and as I continue to make the most of the unique academic and athletic opportunities here, I am profoundly grateful for the chance to grow as a person, a scientist, and a rower in such a glorious setting amongst such great minds. Thank you for all of your support and generosity, and please know that this support serves as a major motivating force to achieve great things during my time here and beyond.”
— Layla Stahr, 2017 DPhil in Neuroscience, American Friends Scholar 2018
Simon joined the Development Office in January 2009 to work under Marek Kwiatkowski with initial responsibility for alumni relations. His experience in the hospitality industry rapidly proved invaluable, as did his deep commitment to the House, of which he was himself an Old Member. He relished the chance to connect with alumni, and created a role that greatly increased contact between alumni and the House, to the benefit of both. He was subsequently appointed Deputy Director of the Development Office, and the continuity and commitment he put into that role over many years was a major source of strength to the House.
Simon was educated at St Edward’s School in Oxford, and read History at Selwyn College, Cambridge, afterwards coming to the House to study for a PGCE, and going on to teach at Bryanston, where he became head of History. Ever the fundraiser, Simon requested that any donations given in his honour should be directed towards the support of graduate scholarships in History and was deeply touched by the gifts that were received before his death.
The American Friends of Christ Church was organized as a recognized U.S. charity nearly 20 years ago. At the same time, the American Friends Scholarships were established. These permit any graduate of a North American university to pursue graduate studies at the House in any discipline. Support of these scholarships has always been a major focus of the Annual Appeal. In 2022/3 eight students benefited from scholarships supported by the Fund, ensuring they can explore their intellectual curiosity and take full advantage of the many opportunities graduate studies at Christ Church offers without the burden of financial pressures. One scholarship is now endowed, providing much-needed support in perpetuity, and we aspire to create a second.
