Van Mildert College concludes its 60th anniversary celebrations

The anniversary celebrations began in January with a launch event hosted by College Principal, Professor Tom Mole. The event brought together members of the College community to celebrate the college’s 60 years of making a positive difference in the lives of its students. 

Image: The anniversary launch event in January 2025.

It also provided a platform to look ahead. The College set out its vision for four Jubilee Projects: the construction of a new boathouse, the refurbishment of the Ann Dobson Hall, the creation of a new common room space for students, and a significant expansion of student experience funding. Together, these projects aim to remove financial barriers and ensure that all students can fully engage in College life, regardless of background.  

Celebrations continued beyond Durham. In April, alumni and friends of the College gathered at Windsor Castle for a special anniversary event. The Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, Professor Karen O’Brien, joined Professor Tom Mole for the occasion. 

Held in the Norman Tower and hosted by Lieutenant General Philip Jones, Governor of Windsor Castle, and Van Mildert alumnus Mr Graham Barker, the evening offered an opportunity to strengthen connections in a historic setting. Guests toured St George’s Chapel and enjoyed a performance by alumnus and world-class dulcimer player Dan Evans. 

Image: Members of the University community and friends and supporters of the College gather at Windsor Castle.

Throughout the year, the College also launched a series of community-led initiatives. Mildert Stories invited Mildertians past and present to share memories of their time at the College, celebrating the people and experiences that have shaped its identity over six decades. 

In July, more than 320 alumni returned to Van Mildert College for a Gala Reunion weekend. Spanning graduating years from 1968 to 2024, the event featured exhibitions, tours, music and social activities reflecting both the College’s history and its evolving community. Highlights included a formal dinner and a keynote address from Olympic gold medallist and alumnus Jonathan Edwards CBE. 

The anniversary year concluded in January with a special finale event in London. Alumni and friends gathered for drinks, informal food and entertainment from talented student musicians. Guests were welcomed by the Principal and other College officers, marking a fitting close to the jubilee year. Principal, Professor Tom Mole, said,

 ‘We’ve loved meeting our alumni this year and hearing their stories.  Our alumni have responded to our vision of Mildert’s future with extraordinary generosity; with their help we will ensure that Van Mildert remains true to its distinctive ethos for another 60 years and more.’ 

As Van Mildert College looks ahead to its second sixty years, the Jubilee Projects will help shape its future. Each focuses on strengthening community, widening participation and sustaining the sense of belonging that defines life at Van Mildert. 

Discover more 

• Find out more about our vision for the future and donate to our Jubilee Projects  

• Learn more about the Van Mildert alumni community 

• Stay in touch with us and make sure your details are up to date