Chancellor’s Circle Annual Dinner 2026

The Chancellor’s Circle

The Chancellor’s Circle is a group of supporters who have made exceptional philanthropic contributions to Durham University. Their generosity shapes the University, ensuring its continued impact on the world and on its community.

This year, nine new members were inducted into the Chancellor’s Circle. Their support has enabled impactful research, created transformative opportunities, and helped enrich the Durham experience.

Highlighting impact

This year, we celebrated the ways in which generous donations support the objectives of our Keep Making History campaign by enhancing experience, opportunity and impact in a variety of different ways. Guests enjoyed speeches from Sophia Smith-Galer (Modern Languages, St Mary’s College, 2016) and current students David Spence and Sabina Rahman.

Sophia, a member of the winning Durham alumni University Challenge team on two occasions, reflected on her Durham experience and shared how writing for Palatinate and performing in many operas and concerts prepared her for her subsequent career as a multi-award-winning reporter, author and content creator.

David Spence is one of the inaugural recipients of the Global Grand Challenge studentships, funded by Chancellor’s Circle members Neil Hunt and Julie Raymond. He is currently in the first year of a PhD in the Department of Theology and Religion with the working title “Divine interventions – the role of faith-based organisations in disaster management”. David shared his personal story and the important project made possible by his studentship.

Sabina Rahman is a recipient of a Durham Inspired North East Scholarship, a programme supported by Chancellor’s Circle members. Sabina is a member of Collingwood College and is in the third year of her Economics degree. She shared the journey she took to get to Durham and explained how her scholarship has transformed her experience and her ambitions for her future.

Showcasing our talent

The evening also celebrated the exceptional talent of the Durham University community. Guests were welcomed by a beautiful performance from the Dunelm Quartet, which comprises Amy Ying (Music, St John’s College, 2017-20) on first violin, Megan Hathaway (Music, Trevelyan College, 2017-20) playing second Violin, Laura Cooper (Music, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2017-21) on the viola and Rob King (Music, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2013) playing the Cello.

Guests were delighted by a vocal performance by Issey Dodd (Liberal Arts, Collingwood College, 2021-24). At Durham, Issey was actively involved in student theatre and music as a member of Northern Lights, and performed with the group twice in New York City at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. After Durham, Issey studied at the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and now enjoys a diverse career as an actor and singer.

The event was a welcome opportunity to celebrate what makes Durham special with those who so generously give funds to further our shared mission.

Read more: 

• About our alumni community
• About opportunities for giving
• About ways to get involved

Header image from left: Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O'Brien, David Spence, Sophia Smith-Galer, Sabina Rahman, Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill

Durham University takes pride in the achievements and contributions of its 230,000 alumni and supporters. Stories that cite views, talks and published work reflect the individual's contribution in their personal or professional capacity and do not represent the University's position or endorsement.