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From the Master
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It gives me great pleasure to be writing the foreword for this edition of Once a Caian..., my first as Master, after one year in office. Living in Dr Caius’ own monument, Caius Court, I’m reminded daily of how this extraordinary place combines astonishing people and beautiful buildings with an air of purpose, curiosity and diligence. The whole is supported by an endowment, which with good husbandry and your help maintains the College at the heart of one of the best universities in the world. Against a long and wonderful history, ten years is but a dot.
We live in very challenging political and economic times. Nevertheless, Caius has survived plague, revolution, religious strife, world wars (p.14) and visits by royalty (p.12). It has thrived into the 21st Century as a joint endeavour, incorporating the efforts of the whole Caian community of Fellows, students, staff and alumni. Having been so fortunate in being handed the College in good shape by Sir Alan Fersht and David Secher, I am conscious we must not squander that position. Nor can we be complacent or unambitious. I am determined to leave my successor an even better College. We will keep doing what we have always done so well. To borrow my predecessor Neil McKendrick’s catchphrase: we have to ensure Caius is the best all-round college in Cambridge. We must choose the best students, Fellows and staff. We must enable them to do their best work in a place which encourages them to flourish. We must continue to ask and answer difficult questions over a wide range of issues. We will celebrate success in all its forms: whether academic (p.6 and p.24), sporting (p.36), musical or political. Caians continue to do remarkable things in the world outside the six courts of Caius. From protecting the environment (p.18) to encouraging entrepreneurship (p.8), from CAM to encouraging reading (p.20 and p.22), Caians’ short time here is a springboard for what happens later.
This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of women becoming full members of the College. 36 women students matriculated in 1979. Women will be about 50% of this year’s intake (p.4). In 2019, Caius remains committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We want all our students to participate fully in everything the College and Cambridge has to offer. We continue to invest greatly in teaching (p.10) and supporting our students (p.26). The College could not continue to do so without your help. Thank you.
Dr Pippa Rogerson (1986)
Master
“Your gift to Caius also counts towards the Dear World... Yours, Cambridge Campaign”
