We have produced a donor report to showcase how donations help our students and help us achieve our plans for the future.
We are grateful to our alumni for their generosity. Please read our donor report and find out more about how alumni gifts help our students.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to receive donations and legacies from our alumni community. Without donor gifts, it would not be possible for our students to have some of the experiences they have had.
We’ve produced a donor report to showcase how legacies and alumni gifts can be used to give our students the best experience while at St Mary’s. As well as the ever-important student experience, we have used donations to update our facilities.
To read our donor report:
St Mary's Donor Report
In the summer of 2025, work began to update an underused space in the Williamson building. There was a need for a performance space for students to use for dance, yoga and theatre practice. Thus, the Hobbs Studio, named after former St Mary’s principal Jenny Hobbs (1999-2007), was renovated to create such a space.
St Mary’s Student Grace Campbell said:
“The Studio has massively improved our experience and enrichment as Mary's Dance! The mirrors in particular allow us to teach choreography more effectively, and the floor is smooth enough to facilitate a large range of moves. We love the decorations in the space, particularly the seating area, to improve our sense of community within the society alongside our dancing. Thus, these upgrades to Williamson have bolstered our enjoyment and skill in dance”.
We are proud to support the students of St Mary’s College and provide financial support for them to thrive while at university. This would not be possible without our alumni community. Some of our students have shared their experiences in the report, which just shows how donations can make a difference.
In today's challenging financial climate, our students require support now more than ever. If you can donate to support St Mary’s students, then we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to donate online, the link is below:
Make a gift to St Mary's
If you are in the area and would like to visit us and discuss your requirements in person, drop us an email
stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk
St Mary's Students making use of the Hobbs Studio
St Mary's student Leo with his dance partner at a national Latin ballroom dance competition. Read more about Leo, who took up dancing as a hobby while at university, in the donor report.
Anna was awarded funds from the Irene Calvert Travel Bursary to fund an expedition to Mexico.
Diana Policane received funds from a St Mary’s alumni donor for a three month internship to teach in Kuala Lumpur.
I am delighted to repay the kindness I received from donors to St Mary’s when I was a student by funding a scholarship for a modern languages student.
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.
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