Issue No. 29, April 2006
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♦ GREASE IS THE WORD ♦ PEMBROKE CLAIMS CUPPERS PRIZE ♦ SENATOR LUGAR SPEAKS AT FULBRIGHT CENTENARY
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NEWS
In Brief
Fellow wins Society Award
Should partners be invited to attend the Annual Pembroke Society Dinner?
Dr Ben Davis, Pembroke Fellow and University Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, has been awarded the 2005 Royal Society Mullard Award. The Award recognises his pioneering work on carbohydrate and enzyme proteins, and also acknowledges the commercial potential of this work.
Less than 20 people have replied to the questionnaire published in the last Record. Please let us have your views. Chapel Collections Chapel collections held during Michaelmas Term raised £401.38 for the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Appeal for the Asian Earthquake. The DEC is an umbrella organisation that represents 13 leading UK Aid Agencies, including Oxfam, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief. Bequests During 2005 bequests were received from the following: John Lovelock, Viscountess Mary Eccles, Alan Bray, Frank Cooper, Philip Millest, Sydney Drage, David Lane, Alice Morrison, Sidney Linton, Anne MacIntosh, Bob Lewin and Christopher Erskine-Hill. Have you joined the Tesdale Society? Membership of the Society is open to anyone who has pledged a bequest to the College. The first biennial lunch for members will be held on 6 September
Royal
The Mullard Award is made annually by the Council of the
Frederik von Rosen wins Technos International Prize On Tuesday 21 February 2006 Frederik von Rosen, a final year History and Politics student, was awarded the Technos Prize for 2005. Making the presentation was Dr. Graham Simpson of the Oxford English Centre, who was representing Dr Kenji Tanaka, of the Tanaka Ilueikai Educational Trust. In response, the Pembroke Prize will be awarded to a leading student
Royal Society to an individual who has an outstanding academic record in any area of natural science, engineering or technology and whose work is currently making or has the potential to make a contribution to national prosperity in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It consists of a silver gilt medal, a prize of £2,000 and a travel/ conference grant of up to £1,500.
at Technos College in Tokyo at their opening ceremony in April. Initiated in 1996, the Technos Prize used to be awarded each year to an outstanding student of Japanese studies. However, since 2004, the scope has been expanded to include any final year Pembroke student who has demonstrated “outstanding academic performance and commitment to the cause of international understanding”. We all extend our sincere congratulations to Frederik.
Dr Graham Simpson presenting the prize to Frederik
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
NEWS
Grease
Edward Mitchard (2004) Pembroke College Music Society is hoping to build on the success of last summer’s West Side Story with Grease, to be performed during ‘Arts Week’. Once again the Hall will be transformed into a theatre, and due to demand for tickets exceeding supply last year, there will be three evening performances and two matinees. Grease is a highly-charged and exciting musical, and the cast are really enjoying rehearsals. The stage play is refreshingly different from the film with a slightly darker and deeper
A chorus rehearsal
Pembroke alumnus wins Royal Academy of Engineering Award In 2005 Peter Niblett (1977) from IBM UK Ltd was honoured to receive the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award. Peter
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Danny and Sandy with the Musical and Assistant Musical Directors
script, but there are enough familiar songs to ensure that the show will be tremendous fun, too. Danielle Orchard, a Pembroke first-year who is choreographing the show in addition to playing Cha-Cha, is aiming to avoid inevitable stereotypes and introduce some novel moments, promising a fascinating visual tableau. The cast contains some of the most talented actors, singers
and dancers from across the University, though with a clear Pembroke bias, and includes Sam Kaplan, an American visiting student, who can guarantee us an entirely genuine accent.
members of his team received the MacRobert Gold Medal and £50,000 prize in London from HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
e-commerce, allowing data transfers across computer systems without the need for custom coding.
The innovation for which the prize was awarded was granted is a crucial component for the computing infrastructure of many top companies. Used by top global banks, WebSphere MQ software has transformed
Performances are at 7.30pm on Wednesday 10,Thursday 11 & Friday 12 May, with matinees at 1.30pm on Thursday 11 & Friday 12. Tickets will be available for sale from www. oxfordgrease.co.uk or by contacting the Development Office.. The cost will be £6, £10 and £12 for the evening performances and £10 and £6 for the matinees.
This is the first time a pure software engineering achievement has been awarded the prize, which recognises the successful development of innovative ideas in engineering. Well done Peter and the team!
Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
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NEWS
In Brief
Double Header Update
Calling all former members of the Teasel Club
Dick Williamson (1952) reports that his horse, Double Header, is on the sidelines following an injury and may not race again until the spring of 2007.
Would former members of the Teasel Club please get in touch with the Development Office, via development@pmb.ox.ac. uk. Former alumni are looking to organise society reunions in the College and are also very interested in any copies of the Society Rules or Minutes of Society Meetings that former members may possess. FCO appoints new Permanent Secretary Pembroke alumnus Sir Peter Ricketts (1971) has been named as the new Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He has succeded Sir Michael Jay, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service in July. The Permanent Under Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service is the senior foreign policy adviser to the Foreign Secretary, and responsible for the mangement of the FCO in London and its Embassies and High Commissions in 144 countries around the world. Sir Peter is currently the UK’s Permanent Representative to NATO. He will take up his new post in July. Congratulations!
“Double Header had a very successful season over hurdles in 2004/05. Out of nine starts he won once, was second once and third on two occasions. He
Pembroke alumna named one of New Woman’s Women of the Year Naomi Bowman (2001) has been named as one of New Woman’s Women of the Year. Each year the magazine, which has a monthly circulation of 270,000, nominates young women who have inspired or moved the judges by their courage or bravery. Naomi was on the Thai island of Koh Phi Phi when the Asian Tsunami hit on Boxing Day 2004, and she was left seriously injured. After the Tsunami struck the island, Naomi was left stranded inside a destroyed restaurant for about two hours before she managed to crawl
never ran a poor race and the cut of the prize money which he earned for the College amounted to £3,475. This season he began steeplechasing but, after a couple of poor runs, was put back to hurdling. Again he ran badly and it was found that he had injured a tendon. He has responded well to treatment.” out and find help. Despite her injuries causing her physical and emotional pain, she returned to College and completed her degree in Mathematics, whilst also raising more than £13,000 for the Tsunami Appeal. Naomi has since returned to the island to volunteer for ‘HiPhiPhi’, a local organisation involved in the reconstruction process. Whilst there remains much to do on the island, Naomi is impressed by progress made so far, commenting, “The island is beginning to take care of itself again.” However, she is much more modest when it comes to her own achievements and states, “It seems a little odd to be short-listed for woman of the year.”
Pembroke Graduate elected Fellow of All Souls
year. The Fellowship is for seven years, and offers a salary, accommodation in College and support for research.
Pembroke Law Graduate Fraser Campbell (2000) has been elected to a Prize Fellowship at All Souls College, Oxford.
Fraser comments, “I look forward to returning to Oxford on a regular basis, including visits to all of those in Pembroke who were so supportive of me as an undergraduate.”
All Souls College awards up to two Prize Fellowships a
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
1
NEWS
Senator Lugar speaks at Fulbright Centenary Celebrations To mark the 100th Anniversary of Senator William Fulbright’s birth in November 2005 Senator Richard Lugar (1954) spoke in the Damon Wells Chapel. These remarks were subsequently published in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. During his speech, Senator Lugar spoke eloquently of his vision for U.S. foreign policy. “To survive and prosper in this century, the United States must assign U.S. economic and diplomatic capabilities the same strategic priority that we assign to military capabilities.
Senator Lugar speaking at the event
Former Pembroke student elected to the British Academy Professor Bernard Capp, who came up to Pembroke in 1962 to study History, has been elected a Fellow of the British Academy.
The Damon Wells Chapel pictured during Senator Lugar’s speech
We must commit ourselves to the painstaking work of foreign policy day by day and year to year. We must commit ourselves to a sustained program of repairing and building alliances, expanding trade, fighting disease, pursuing resolutions to regional conflicts, fostering and supporting democracy and development worldwide, controlling weapons of mass destruction, and explaining ourselves to the world.” He also discussed the profound influence his time at Pembroke had on his later life and career. “I discovered the extraordinary challenges and opportunities of international education at Pembroke College – my
The British Academy, established by Royal Charter in 1902, is the national academy for the humanities and the social sciences. It is an independent, self-governing fellowship of more than 800 scholars, elected for distinction and achievement in one or more branches of the academic disciplines that make
first trip outside of the United States. The parameters of my imagination expanded enormously during this time, as I gained a sense of how large the world was, how many talented people there were, and how many opportunities one could embrace.” If you would like to read Senator Lugar’s speech, it can be viewed via the College website at www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/ pembroke_college/latestnews. html. A report on the celebrations can be found on the events page towards the back of this magazine.
up the humanities and social sciences. Professor Capp teaches History at the University of Warwick. Our warmest congratulations go to him on this prestigious achievement.
Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
NEWS NEWS
Pembroke Society
1965-1967: 40 Years On
The future of the Pembroke Society
On Saturday 2 September 2006, the College will host a 40-year reunion event for those who matriculated in the years 1965, 1966 and 1967. All alumni from these matriculation years will be invited to the event, along with their partners. It will be a daytime event with a buffet lunch and an optional dinner in the evening. Accommodation will be available for those who require it. This is not a Gaudy, but rather a very informal and participative way to mark an important anniversary.
The Rules of the Society state its objects to be:a. to keep Pembroke men and women in touch with the College and one another; b. to circulate news of interest to members, especially regarding future developments; c. to promote the welfare of the College; d. to enable Pembroke men and women to place their knowledge, experience and their interest at the disposal of those Fellows who take on additional responsibilities. At its last meeting, the Society Committee noted that every one of these objects and the activities arising from them were now performed and arranged by the Development Office and paid for by the College. Therefore, what should the role of the Society now be, particularly with regard to the creation and development of the new Year Group Leader (YGL) group? Your views on this are earnestly sought. Please write to the Secretary of the Pembroke Society, Jill Walker, c/o the College.
During the day there will be a host of fun activities on offer, including tours of Oxford and
Former Pembroke lecturer publishes his first novel Dr Brian Martin, who taught E n g l i s h Language and Literature at Pembroke from 1976 to 1983, is delighted to be publishing his first novel, North at the age of 68.
the College, croquet on the lawn, a riverboat cruise and old photo displays. This list is not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions – so please let us know your ideas! We also plan to have a professional photographer on hand to retake year group photos, and to be available for any other group or individual photos you may wish to request. Formal invitations will be sent out later in the year, but until then please save the date for what promises to be a fun-filled day (and night). Don’t miss it! For further information, please contact Kirsty Ramage in the Development Office. via kirsty.ramage@pmb.ox.ac.uk or on (01865) 286080. previously written and edited academic books. He has also reviewed contemporary novels for more than 30 years in the national press, including The Spectator, The Times Literary Supplement, The Financial Times and The Literary Review. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2002, he was appointed MBE for services to English Literature.
In addition ‘North’ is being to his time at published in Pembroke, Dr hardback by Brian Martin Martin was also Macmillan and will Head of English be available for sale at Magdalen from 7 April 2006. Everyone at College School for 40 years. Whilst this is his first novel to Pembroke wishes Brian the best be published, Dr Martin has of luck with this new venture.
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
SPORTING NEWS
Rugby: Old Pembrokians vs Pembroke Jeremy Bartosiak-Jentys, Ian Graham & Mark Sayer
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any long months of hard work finally came to fruition when, on 12 November 2005, Old Pembrokians RUFC was brought into existence. As match day arrived, the Old Pembrokians scored the first psychological points by commandeering the home dressing room. Player/Coach Ben Ritchie (1999) then led the team through a high-intensity warm up, which left the majority of the team struggling for breath - due not to exhaustion, but uncontrollable laughter! The College won the toss and elected to kick off. Ian Graham (1998) collected the ball cleanly from the kick off and having recycled the ball without drama, Old Pembrokians fly half Dom Hammond’s (2002) clearing kick was charged down to result in the simplest of tries for the College skipper Greg Spencer (2004). Chris Owen (2004) successsfully converted, giving the College an early 7-0 lead. The Old Boys’ response was terrific. Captain Jeremy BartosiakJentys (2000) led from the front, putting in a hit that resulted in a turnover and ultimately a penalty for his team. Despite Hammonds kick at goal being unsuccessful, the tone for the game had been set. Lighting-fast rucking from the Old Boys flankers Mark Sayer (1999) and Marc Bullock (1997) coupled with swift service by scrum half Will “Colonel” Griffiths (1999), allowed wing Alex Hesz (2001) to cross the line in the corner. Hammond’s successful conversion restored parity to the scoreboard. The Old Boys’ dominance of the opening period resulted in another score, as Adam Hunter touched down under the posts. Hammond was again accurate in adding the
extra two points. A nasty injury to College 2nd Row Matt Lees (2002) reduced the college team to 14. In a sporting act, Old Boys’ wing Luke Matthews (2000), who had himself The Old Pembrokians Team been subbed earlier due to a slight knee strain, agreed advantage of the extra man and to play for the College. it was actually the Old Boys that Fitness had always been a concern added to their score, with Jeavons for the Old Boys and this proved crossing from 10 yards out to build justified as the first 40 minutes up a seemingly unassailable lead drew to a close. A penalty then saw of 19 points. Owen reduce the College’s deficit Pembroke’s rugby players have to only four points. been in good form this year The much-needed rest at half time and the College was not going rejuvenated the Old Boys and they down without a fight. Expansive started the second half brightly. play from the College backline Early possession in the College coupled with some excellent lines half of the field saw the Old Boys of running saw the wing held with a line out five metres from just short. With the Old Boys the try line. Dan Jeavons (2001), defensive line stretched William found his jumper. Eddy Formstone Stebbing (2003) ploughed over (1999) brought the ball to ground from close range. Owen converted safely, with Rich Pinckney (1999) comfortably maintaining his 100% and Ian Priest (Beast) providing record with the boot. the drive that allowed Sayer to However, it was the Old Boys who touch down at the back of the were to have the last score of the maul. The College were to fall 10- game. With five minutes left on 24 behind in the very next attack the clock and the game becoming when, with little space and even more open, fly half Hammond side less time Hammond dinked over stepped his tackler, showing great the most delicate of drop goals. pace to score unchallenged. Then came the game’s most Final score: Pembroke College 17, controversial moment: the College Old Pembrokians 34. were awarded a penalty on their own twenty two. A quick tap saw The committee thanks the College the Old Boys’ defence scrambling. and PCRUFC for Sa competitive Noticing the situation looked game, and all those who came to bleak, Sayer cynically brought the support. Special mention must go on-rushing man to ground, without to Alex Formstone (1999) who had having retreated the required 10 been instrumental in arranging the metres. The referee had no option fixture but was unable to play due but to show the yellow card, to an injury picked up 48 hours reducing the Old Boys to 14 men prior to the game. If you would like to find out more for ten minutes. The College struggled to take about Old Pembrokians, email oldpembrokians@gmail.com. Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
SPORTING NEWS
Pembroke Claims Cuppers Prize Matthew Barrett (2004)
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embroke had a spectacular off Premiership outfits Keble (5-1) 2004-5 in the sporting and a strong St. Catz team (5-3) in department. Triumphant in the early rounds, Alex Vavalidis’s Cuppers across a whole range of (2003) side disposed of Christ sports, Pembroke were by far and Church in the quarters (1-0), but away the stand-out performers on lost out to season arch rivals New the college scene. Amassing 6 (2-1) in the semis after a gruelling victories, and reaching a total of 10 encounter. Stand out performers in semi finals, as well as performing a superb season were Chris Aldred well on the river, Pembroke had (2002), Ben Collier (2002), Mark every reason to celebrate the Harris (2001) and the defensive silverware it received from the partnership of Shai Gruber (2004) Sports Federation to commend and Matthew Barrett (2004). such a dominant year. A trio of semi-finals also ended in The first major success came disappointment for the women’s midway through Hilary term with cricket, football 5-a-side and the winning of Men’s Hockey netball teams. After seeing off the Cuppers. Rivals challenge of four Christ Church were other colleges, soundly defeated 3the footballers 1 in the final. Tom succumbed to Bullock opened the St.Anne’s in scoring against the the semi final, run of play. Indeed a despite great determinded Christ performances Church were soon from Josie Marks to equalise, but (2004) and Kate Frampton’s scoring Adlington (2003). of two drag flicks in After winning the second half was the league title, ultimately to provide the netballers the difference also lost out in between the sides the cup, as did in a game where the cricket team, Pembroke were where Lottie in the ascendency Waller (2003), The Cuppers Trophy for the duration of Holly Morgan the second half. The overriding (2003) and Holly Hiscox (2002) factor in the team’s success was were the stars. the excellent cohesion between The mixed Lacrosse team, a recent the league players and the four addition to the Pembroke sporting returning Blues players. The squad scene, found themselves in the would like to thank captain Owen semi-finals only to be beaten by Davies (2002) for his excellent runaway champions St. Catz, organisation and leadership. although the future prospects of st The Men’s Football 1 X1, buoyed the side look to be good. The by their 1st Division championship, Men’s Rugby side, despite being were unlucky not to follow the knocked out of Cuppers, went on Hockey players in their attempts to to win the Cuppers Plate. In a secure Cuppers glory. After seeing very competitive final, Pembroke
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
eventually defeated Merton/ Mansfield to cap a promising season. The Women’s Basketball team emphatically secured their crown by defeating Wadham in the final by a massive 54-8. Given the margin of victory, a lot has to be said for the solid all-round team effort displayed in seeing off the likes of Queens and Brasenose before Wadham became the last in their list of victims. Simply no other team was a match for Pembroke. The side was led by key performers Josie Marks and Aoife Fitzgerald (2003), backed up brilliantly by Pamina Bou (2004) and Ji-Sun Choi (2004). This success was not unprecedented; as this was a defence of their Cuppers title the previous year, in which Wadham were also the runnersup, though to a much slimmer margin of victory than this year’s thrashing. A traditional Pembroke strength lies on the river, and despite no longer possessing the historic “Double Headship”, the current crews are in great shape. Both the men’s and women’s top boats finished in third position in the “Summer VIIIs”. Men’s crew members of particular note were Andrew Brenan and Ian Monk. Andrew rowed against Cambridge in the Isis crew and is returning for a second jab at both Cambridge in the boat race and Oriel (the crew ahead of us in summer VIIIs) this summer. Ian competed in his 4th Summer VIIIs crew, and is looking to compete in three more to surely make him the longest serving 1st crew member. The Men’s crew had a good year moving up 3 places in Torpids, whilst in the Summer they were faster than Oriel but never quite made the bump.
SPORTING NEWS
The women’s crew started “Summer VIIIs” with the aim of regaining the Headship off New, needing only one bump as Pembroke started second on the river. Despite almost catching New on Day 1, it was not to be, and New managed to preserve their position for Day 2. The second day resulted in a huge push from Teddy Hall taking the Pembroke VIII by surprise, resulting in a very deserved bump by a hard-working and skillful Hall crew. Pembroke retained 3rd on the river for the final two days, easily fending off Christ Church. Overall Pembroke retained a strong position on the river and are looking forward to getting another shot at New after they are bumped this year by what promises to be a very strong Teddy’s Crew! Other Summer successes saw Pistols glory, a fine Volleyball victory, and Pembroke emerge triumphant in Ultimate Frisbee Cuppers. Honorable mentions to Simon Lee (2003), Luke Dias (2003), Satheesh Jeganmohan (2004), Dan Hobster (2004) and Will McFarland (2004).
A fine Summer term of success was made all the better by the victory of the Men’s Cricket team over Teddy Hall in the Cuppers final. The team, under the expert captaincy of Nick Warrillow The victorious Cuppers cricket team (2003), crushed St. John’s in the semis. However, their opponents by 83 runs to take the trophy. the real glory came in defeating Pembroke’s bowling and fielding League champions and favourites display proved crucial to their Balliol in the first round. Perhaps victory. Thomas Bullock (2002) it was a shame that the tie featuring and Sudhir Krishnaswamy (2002) the best two college sides was st took the spoils, backed up by confined to a 1 round encounter, a strong bowling unit of Adam but the nail-biting last-over finish Hunter (2002), Matthew Barrett and paid testament to a great contest. Chris Owen. Teddy Hall never got The Cuppers run and the one-sided going in reply and, after slumping victory in the Parks were great to 49-4, only made triple figures achievements for a strong team. thanks to last-wicket heroics. The The success of 2004-5 was an run to the final really stood out in a amazing all-round effort from the great season, scraping past Exeter college sportsmen and women in a low scoring, weather-disrupted that served to foster Pembroke’s match, before producing a fantastic reputation as a heavyweight in performance against much-fancied college sport.
Torpids 2006
crews. The Men’s 1st VIII had another successful year, continuing their rise up the river following the 2003 crash, and are now in fourth place. They had
Ronan O’Kelly
Torpids again demonstrated the strength of Pembroke rowing, with the College fielding six
PROUD SPONSOR OF PEMBROKE ROWING
Deloitte
four days of close competition, with one bump on Exeter and three days of tantalisingly close row-overs behind New College. They stand in good position for a crack at the Headship next year and for another close encounter with Oriel this summer. The Women’s 1st VIII had a difficult week, doing well to hold their position in the 1st division. However, they still bumped both New College and Somerville. The Men’s 2nd VIII showed the potential of our novice oarsmen, achieving two bumps and holding their own amongst other college 1st VIIIs. The Women’s 2nd VIII narrowly missed out on blades. The Men’s 3rd VIII won blades, remaining the highest 3rd VIII by far.
Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
FEATURES
Technos International Week 2005 Dr Raphael Hauser
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very year the Tanaka Ikueikai surrounded by sky scrapers, neon themselves to a cheering crowd. Educational Trust, the Tanaka lights, exotic-food smells, traffic Technos College has its own Memorial Foundation and Technos jams, train stations, vending mountain resort called Midori No College, Tokyo invite a group of machines and office workers Mura, complete with onsens (hot students and faculty members hurrying on their way to work. It springs), sports facilities and a from several partner institutions in was as if we had been teleported small lake. Technos architecture the USA, New Zealand and the UK into a different world, where students had designed the guest on a fully paid, two-week trip to everyday errands such as buying chalets. Usually, these facilities Japan. Pembroke College is one of the lucky institutions invited to send a contingent of four students and one Fellow each year. Technos International Week aims to introduce the international participants to Japanese life, history and culture and to provide a framework in which Japanese and international students meet and interact culturally, linguistically and academically. The lucky participants of the 2005 Pembroke The Pembroke students and Dr Hauser in traditional Japanese dress contingent were Sally Bagwell (History), James Handley toothpaste (what’s the kanji for are used for group-building (English), Catherine Newton toothpaste?) or boarding a subway exercises for Technos students. (PPE), Sam Patel (Economics and train (am I ever going to get We spent two days in this scenic Management) and Raphael Hauser back?) became great adventures. setting with the Technos students (Fellow in Applied Mathematics). Shinjuku is a place of contrast and faculty members. The stay at between its bustle and haste, and Midori No Mura proved important The spirit of Technos International the oases of peace and tranquillity in building a cohesive group and Week caught us right from the found amongst the gardens, shrines bringing together the Japanese moment we were collected from and temples. During the trip, we and international students. the Porter’s Lodge by private received detailed briefs from Through games and activities limousine to take us to Heathrow. Stephen Fleming, the Director of they discovered communication On the flight we had our first taste International Relations, Tanaka problems can easily be overcome. of Japanese food, whilst watching Ikueikai Educational Trust. the endless expanse of the Siberian Taiga float by far below us. It was a Technos College hosted a From Midori No Mura we made long journey, but at Narita Airport welcome party to introduce us several excursions to nearby we were welcomed by a large to the institution, and to allow places of historic importance. group of enthusiastic Technos the students to meet each other. The visit to the massive Zenkoji Technos students put on an Temple in Nagano was one of the students waving flags. impressive display of shows many highlights of the trip. This We stayed in a hotel in Tokyo’s and activities, and each of the structure, which has the largest Shinjuku district. Here we were international groups introduced thatched roof in the world, is a 10
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
FEATURES
beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and the use of perfect proportions to achieve
and preparing tea, to moving our luggage, and transforming the rooms from private studies into traditional bedrooms fitted with tatami mats.
“At Narita Airport we were welcomed by a large group of enthusiastic Technos students waving flags”.
a minimalist elegance. The temple is surrounded by innumerable smaller temples and shrines, immaculately designed gardens, giant bells and incense burners. A truly amazing place! Our next destination was the scenic town of Takayama, with its large historic centre, outdoor museum of national building styles, dozens of onsens and (literally) hundreds of temples and shrines. On our way there we made a stop-over in the mountain town of Kamikochi and had lunch in a perfect alpine setting. The town is reached via a narrow ravine that ends up in a plain surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. It would be impossible to distinguish this place from any of the scenic resorts in the Alps, were it not for the presence of monkeys, who survive the harsh winters by sitting in hot springs.
From Takayama we went on to Nagoya, former home of the Tokugawa family, one of the most important clans of Shoguns, and more recently the base for the Toyota car company. In Nagoya we saw another aspect of Japan: the technocratic economic superpower. We visited the World Expo and the Tokugawa Museum, an impressive display of artifacts, furniture, jewellery, weaponry and clothes accumulated over several centuries. Finally, we took the Shinkansen (bullet train) back to Tokyo.
dance, dress and martial arts and much more. Technos College offers mainly vocational courses that take place in unusual settings. There are classrooms fitted out as a hotel reception, the cabin of an aircraft or a beauty salon where students learn hands-on skills in the respective professions. The college also has fully-equipped sound and TV studios, computer labs that specialise in the creation of animated movies and plenty more amazing facilities. Meanwhile, the faculty members explored Tokyo either on their own, or under the able guidance of Steven Fleming who once again organised an amazing cultural programme. This ranged from a tour to the giant Buddha of Kamakura to visits to the Kabuchi and Noh theatres.
The grand finale of the week was a farewell party at Technos College The second week of our stay where international students was spent in Tokyo. Our students displayed their newly acquired participated in a series of activities skills and Technos students at Technos College, where they organised a fun fair. Many a tear was shed upon s a y i n g goodbye, both by Japanese and international students, and as the bus tore apart the two groups we became aware of just how incredible the two weeks Our arrival in Takayama spent in this was an unforgettable wonderful experience. We stayed country had in a traditional and very The group from Pembroke accompanied by Dr Tanaka and his wife been. We had elegant ‘ryokan’ (guest quite simply house) and a huge drum was gained first-hand experience of run out of superlatives to describe sounded to announce our arrival. the atmosphere in a Japanese class our experience. A myriad of staff took care of even room. They could take lessons our smallest needs, from measuring on a flight simulator; work on the correct size of kimono for the video-editing board of a TV us to wear inside the building studio; learn about Japanese Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
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PROFILE
From Pembroke to the White House Tim Griffin (1990)
R
ecently, while driving with my Magdalen College, and competed Pembroke, who was scheduled to wife Elizabeth in our home against Cambridge as a member of stop by Little Rock for a visit in town of Little Rock, Arkansas, we the Oxford University Clay Pigeon the following weeks. Of course, stopped at a traffic light beside the Shooting Club (OUCPSC). I fell I was! Due to a scheduling Little Rock Public Library. The in love with Oxford and before my problem, Sir Roger didn’t make it top of the building to Little Rock, but my is encircled with a interest in Pembroke decorative frieze persisted. chiselled with the With encouragement surnames of various from Win I applied authors. I glanced to Pembroke and in up to read as many the autumn of 1990, names as I could I began graduate while waiting at studies at Pembroke the traffic light and in Modern British and my eyes focused European History. I on the surname made my home at the Tolkien. Pembroke top of Staircase 8. The immediately came view of Chapel Quad to mind. I reminded from my window Elizabeth of J.R.R. was magnificent and Tolkien’s time at Tim Griffin and wife Elizabeth visiting the College in 2004 unforgettable. I met Pembroke College. A many new friends, rekindled discussion of Pembroke ensued, third year was up, I was dead set old friendships and once again and I thought about the many ways on returning to the University for immersed myself in University Pembroke has touched my life and graduate studies. life, continuing my shooting with influenced my career. I returned to Hendrix College for the OUCPSC. I grew up in the rural South in my final year of undergraduate After my year at Pembroke, I Magnolia, Arkansas and attended studies in 1989. As for my post- headed to New Orleans to attend Hendrix College, a small liberal- Hendrix plans, I wanted to attend Tulane University School of Law. arts school near Little Rock, law school eventually, but above I knew that Louisiana law was for my undergraduate studies. all, I wanted to return to Oxford different from the common law But even before I began, I was and attend the University “for practiced in the other 49 states, intrigued by the “Hendrix-in- real”. Thus I applied for the but the differences attracted rather Oxford” junior year abroad Rhodes Scholarship. than repelled me. Although I was program Hendrix offered. As an I did not receive a Rhodes thousands of miles from Pembroke Anglophile and history lover, I Scholarship but shortly after College, I was not far from fellow was excited about the opportunity the interview I did have the Pembrokians. My obligations to study in Oxford, even if my ties pleasure of meeting Winthrop P. teacher was Professor Valentine to Oxford University were to be Rockefeller, Pembroke alumnus, Palmer, a Pembroke alumnus and more geographic than formal. philanthropist and son of former world-renowned authority on the After two years at Hendrix, I Arkansas Governor, Winthrop French Civil Code. One of my spent my third year in Oxford. Rockefeller. The conversation fellow students at Tulane Law, Whilst not technically a student with Win, as Arkansans call him, King Milling (1990), was not at Oxford University, most of my quickly turned to Oxford and only a Pembroke alumnus, but he instructors were affiliated with the specifically Pembroke College. had attended 19th century British University in some way. Despite His love for the college was Parliamentary history tutorials at my status, I immersed myself into apparent and infectious. Win Pembroke with me in Michaelmas the University culture: I spent time asked if I was interested in meeting term, 1990. at the Oxford Union, rowed for Sir Roger Bannister, the Master of I graduated from law school in 12
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
PROFILE
1994, passed the Louisiana and finality (and rest) I was seeking research materials to the BushArkansas bar examinations and was not to be. Cheney re-election campaign, the practiced at a New Orleans law My next stop was Florida where RNC and the press. firm for one year before moving to I served as a legal advisor to the During the hectic 2004 presidential Washington, D.C. in 1995. Bush/Cheney Recount Team. The campaign, I was engaged to marry President Clinton’s Secretary of recount experience was surreal: Elizabeth Ann Crain. She and Housing and Urban Development, I spent Thanksgiving dinner at I grew up 30 miles from each Henry Cisneros, had made some a hotel in Fort Lauderdale with other but never met until we were questionable statements to FBI several hundred other members introduced in Washington, D.C. agents during his background of the Recount Team, actress Bo in 2003. Elizabeth and I visited investigation, prior to being sworn Derek, and entertainer Wayne Pembroke in December 2004 and in as Secretary. Under the now- Newton. I learned of the final attended the Christmas Concert lapsed and once-controversial Bush v. Gore decision via cell in the Damon Wells Chapel. We Ethics in Government Act, phone and simultaneous television married in April 2005. Some of the investigation of Secretary news feeds from the steps of the my friends from Pembroke made Cisneros was to be conducted U.S. Supreme Court. the trek from London to Arkansas by an Independent Counsel, not After 16 months of political for the wedding, including James by the Department of Justice. I battle, a political victory and C.F. Hanham (1990) and Eric joined the staff of Independent much needed respite, I longed to Lonergan (1990). Counsel David M. Barrett as an resume the practice of law. In Shortly after our wedding, in April Associate Independent Counsel in March 2001, I accepted a political 2005, I began serving President September 1995. appointment at the Department George W. Bush as Special In late 1996 prior to the Assistant to the President and presidential election, a Deputy Director, Office of number of news articles Political Affairs at the White “My time at Pembroke detailed allegations of illegal House. The highlight of my foreign contributions that tenure at the White House was College was special had been made to candidates organising and coordinating and nothing short of life political support for the for public office in the United States and national confirmation of Judge John changing” political committees, Roberts to be Chief Justice of primarily the Democratic the U.S. Supreme Court. National Committee (DNC). My duties at the White House Congressional investigations, of Justice as Special Assistant to were unfortunately cut short due both House and Senate, followed. the Assistant Attorney General to military service. In September In January 1997, I joined the Michael Chertoff, the Criminal 2005, I was mobilised to active staff of the House Government Division chief. That summer duty in the U.S. Army for one Reform Committee as a Senior AAG Chertoff granted me a year year as a Captain. I am currently Investigative Counsel, where I detail as a federal prosecutor to serving as an Army Prosecutor and focused primarily on the financial the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the legal advisor. I have been an officer investigation of foreign individuals Eastern District of Arkansas in in the Judge Advocate General’s and their contributions to the Little Rock, allowing me to obtain (JAG) Corps, U.S. Army Reserve, DNC. prosecutorial experience, whilst for almost ten years but have spending some quality time with never before been activated. I am In 1999, I joined the Republican family and friends in my home on military leave from the White National Committee (RNC) in state. House until September 2006. Washington, D.C. as Deputy I returned to Washington in June Research Director for the 2000 My time at Pembroke College presidential campaign. RNC 2002 to gear up and begin the was special and nothing short of research served as the primary research for the 2004 presidential life changing: I made enduring research resource for the Bush/ campaign. I once again joined friendships and learned much Cheney 2000 campaign. A year the staff of the RNC, this time as about the world and myself. For and a half of gruelling campaign Research Director and Deputy this and more, I am eternally work was to end on election night Communications Director. My grateful. 2000 in Austin, Texas. But the staff of approximately 30 provided Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
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EVENTS
Gaudy, Years 1994, 1995 & 1996
Friday 16 September 2005
Over one hundred young alumni were able to attend this extremely lively Gaudy. We are told the partying continued well into the night, with some attendees failing to make it to bed at all! We are glad that all those who attended enjoyed themselves. We hope to see them all again at College in the very near future. Rhian Wong (née Glover), Del James, Heather Young (née Ward) and Sarah Townsley
John Eekelaar Retirement Dinner Friday 11 November 2005
As reported in Pembrokian issue no 28, John Eekelaar retired as a Tutorial Fellow in Law at the end of the 2004/2005 Academic Year. Whilst John remains at College in the newly created post of Academic Director, a formal dinner was
(1977), Rhodes Scholar and Managing Partner of Gentle, Pickens and Landon Attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama; Rosalind Phelps (1992), who is currently a Barrister at the Fountain Court Chambers; and Antony Zacaroli (1982), who was called to the bar in 1987 and now works at South Square Chambers and helped out as ‘weekend law lecturer’ at Pembroke in the early 1990s. The Master, Giles Henderson, also paid tribute to John Eekelaar’s exceptional standing within the College. A drinks reception in Broadgates was followed by a five-course dinner in Hall. The College silver used to decorate the tables was all donated by Pembrokian lawyers, and the pieces used were specially selected for the evening.
Bernard Wallwork, Alan Boyle and Steven Leigh
held to mark the occasion. Almost one hundred Pembrokian Lawyers attended this in November 2005. The Dinner was part of an initiative aimed at raising funds to endow, in perpetuity the John Eekelaar Law Fellowship. Amongst those alumni present were former students from the USA, Germany, the Czech Republic and Ireland. Tributes to John Eekelaar’s extraordinary popularity and integrity as a tutor were given by Sir Philip Bailhache (1964), an Honorary Fellow of Pembroke, who has been the Bailiff of Jersey since 1995; Edgar Gentle III 14
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
John and wife Pia at the dinner
EVENTS
Dr Pelczynski’s 80th Birthday Party Thursday 8 December 2005
In December 2005 Dr Zbigniew Pelczynski, former Fellow and Tutor in Politics, celebrated his 80th birthday. Zbig, Zbyszek or ZAP, as he is variously known by his students, retired from Pembroke in 1993 after 35 years of positive impact upon the lives of students who are now making their mark upon the world.
Anthony Quinton, and of course the guest of honour, Dr Zbigniew Pelczynski. The guests were then invited to help themselves to a traditional Polish buffet feast, allowing plenty of opportunity to mingle and catch up with old friends.
In tribute to Dr Pelczynski’s outstanding accomplishments at Pembroke and his contributions to the wider world, the College is seeking In order to honour this special day, to raise £1.78 million to name Pembroke hosted a birthday party and permanently endow at the Polish Embassy in London. the Pelczynski Politics Dr Pelczynski was delighted that Fellowship. We have already over 100 of his former students, Dr Pelczynski speaking at the party raised over £300,000 of our friends and family members were able to attend, target and are extremely grateful to all our donors and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all. We for helping us to achieve this. If you would like were honoured that His Excellency Mr Zbigniew more information on the Appeal, please contact Matuszewski, Ambassador of the Republic of Catherine McMillan in the Development Office Poland, opened the evening by way of a warm via catherine.mcmillan@pmb.ox.ac.uk. or on tribute. Other entertaining speeches were given (01865) 276478. by the Master, Martin Linton MP (1963), Lord
College Hosts Fulbright Centenary Saturday 12 November 2005
On 12 November 2005 the US/UK Fulbright Commission hosted a Centenary event at Pembroke. The event was a celebration of the birth of Senator J William Fulbright, Pembroke alumnus, Rhodes Scholar and founder of the
Senator Lugar and the Master, pictured with Carol Madison Graham of the Fulbright Commission
renowned Fulbright Programme – an educational exchange designed to promote global peace and understanding. The programme of events started with a lecture given by Senator Richard Lugar (1954) in the Damon Wells Chapel. As current Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Lugar – also a former Rhodes Scholar at Pembroke – holds the post first held by Senator Fulbright in the 1940s. Senator Lugar’s comments whilst speaking at Pembroke were subsequently inserted into the Congressional Record. Afterwards, a drinks reception was held in the Master’s Lodgings and then a formal dinner in Broadgates Hall. Joining Senator Lugar, guests included David Johnson, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy; Dr John Hood, ViceChancellor Oxford University; Baroness Falkner; Lord Kerr of Kinlochard (1960) and Julia LeStage (1989), Senator Fulbright’s granddaughter. Pembrokian April 2006 ww.pmb@ox.ac.uk
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NEWS
Diary Dates
All dates correct as of March 2006 but may be subject to change
2006
7 April 18 April 4 May 13 May 20 May 27 May 23 June 27 June 4 August 2 Sept 6 Sept 22 Sept 23 Sept
2007
Gaudy, 1997-1998 Inter-Collegiate Golf Tournament London Dinner Blackstone Lecture YGL Meeting Garden Party Gaudy, 1979-1984 Silver Assay Jubilee Dinner, 1956 ‘40 Years-On’, 1965-1967 Tesdale Society Lunch Pembroke Society Dinner Pembroke Society Activity Day
27 Jan 13 April 30 March 23 June 3 August
Annual Meeting Gaudy, 1970-1974 1959 Dinner 30 Years-On, 1977 Gaudy, Up to 1956
14 Sept
Gaudy, 1999-2000
Calling all former MCR members Were you part of the graduate student community at Pembroke? If so, the MCR would like to hear from you. In an effort to make the relationship between current and former MCR members more productive, the MCR committee is compiling a database comprising the names, occupations and contact details of graduate alumni. Historically, the College’s records have not distinguished between JCR and MCR membership, making it difficult to establish a specific relationship with graduate alumni. The aim is to invite former members to attend MCR functions such as termly banquets, as well as informal lunches and drinks parties where graduate alumni can discuss their careers with current graduate students. If you studied for a graduate degree at Pembroke, please contact the MCR Alumni Relations Representative, Ross Nicolson on ross.nicolson@pmb.ox.ac.uk, or at Pembroke College, Oxford, OX1 1DW 16
Pembrokian April 2006 www.pmb@ox.ac.uk
Sophie, Kirsty, John, Kam and Catherine
Contacting the Development Office John Barlow Development Officer Tel: (01865) 276473; Mob: 07932 172904 john.barlow@pmb.ox.ac.uk Sophie Elkan Special Projects Manager Tel: (01865) 276501 sophie.elkan@pmb.ox.ac.uk Catherine McMillan Development Officer Tel: (01865) 276478 catherine.mcmillan@pmb.ox.ac.uk Kam Miles Database Coordinator Tel: (01865) 276417 kam.miles@pmb.ox.ac.uk Kirsty Ramage Events and Communciations Manager Tel: (01865) 286080 kirsty.ramage@pmb.ox.ac.uk The Development Office Pembroke College Oxford, OX1 1DW Fax: (01865) 276482 development@pmb.ox.ox.ac.uk