20 Years of Stephenson College

20 YEARS OF

STEPHENSON COLLEGE

Welcome from the Principal

Behind the name: George Stephenson

Stephenson College Our History So Far

From Stockton to Durham: Reflections of an Assistant Principal

Seven years at Stephenson Harriet Axbey, MCR President 2019-22

Reflections of a Stockton generation JCR President Sophie Hancox JCR President 2009 - 2010

Reflections of a Durham generation JCR President Charles Lawrence JCR President 2021 - 2023

Year in Review

Year in Review: Volunteering

Year in Review: Performing Arts

Year in Review: Stephenson Ideas

Year in Review: Global Citizenship

Year in Review: College Events

Year in Review: Sports

Year in Review: Societies

Year in Review: Research and Scholarly Activity

A Letter from the Editor

Welcome to 20 Years of Stephenson College! This is a very special publication, celebrating two action-packed decades since our college was founded.

In thinking about twenty years of Stephenson, let’s first look back to what the world looked like two decades ago. In 2002, Vladimir Putin enjoyed broad support as he entered the second year of his presidency, the Bachelor pilot aired on television, nineteen countries ditched their national currencies in favour of the newly founded Euro, and the first Spider-Man film premiered in cinemas worldwide. Boris Johnson was better-known for his appearances on Have I Got News for You than being the Prime Minister and Tony Blair enjoyed a seventy percent approval rating. Quite a different time indeed.

Just as the world has undergone such profound change in this time, so too has our college. We moved to a beautiful new site in Durham City in 2018, in a transition I’m sure some of our readers will remember undertaking. We have

new facilities, new members of staff, and new students who fill Stephenson Central over the weekend for a drink with friends. We have grown year on year, along with our sports teams and societies. We keep building on each success, whether that be in performing arts, music, volunteering, sport or within our JCR, MCR and growing SCR. Most importantly, we have retained our progressive outlook and always ensured we are a values-led College.

There’s a lot for us to be proud of, as members of this community, and we all deserve some recognition for the work we’ve put in over these twenty years. I hope that looking through 20 Years of Stephenson allows you to relive old memories, discover the past and present successes of our College, and look ahead to our (undoubtedly bright) future.

Pascal Johnstone Year 2, Accounting and Management Editor

I am delighted to welcome you to this 20th Anniversary celebration of Stephenson College. Founded in 2001 on the Queen’s campus in Stockton, the College has seen many changes, and achieved a great deal over the last 20 years. We have also faced numerous challenges, none more so than in last two years with Covid-19, but I continue to be inspired by the resilience and ambition of our College community. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is of paramount importance and I am proud of the collaborative, positive approach and support they have shown over this difficult time.

Welcome from the Principal

Our community now stands at around 1,200 students and come to us from all corners of the world. Although we have been based in the city of Durham for four years only, following the move from Stockton, we are now settled on Howlands Farm and this is very much our home.

Coming out of Covid over the last 12 months, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to see our students fully engaging once again with the wide range of opportunities on offer in College and across the University. As well as our students’ academic success, our sports teams have competed with the best, while our musicians, actors and dancers have inspired with their performances. Students have volunteered and raised money for a range of organisations and good causes and have been fantastic in how they have represented the College. We have enjoyed bringing our thriving community together for talks, dinners, and a wide range of events and I am very proud of the inclusive, caring culture in which these take place.

Although 20 years may not seem like a long time, the world has changed dramatically over this period. The College’s 20th Anniversary is an important milestone and an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from and what we have achieved, as well as thinking about the future.

To our alumni, friends and supports who contribute to Stephenson College in many ways – thank you.

Professor Robert Lynes CMG Principal of Stephenson College and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global)

Behind the name: George Stephenson

The Victorian era was filled with titans of industry, engineers, pioneers, and nation-builders, though few can claim to have had the same impact on the United Kingdom as George Stephenson, the railway pioneer whose name gives great pride to Stephenson College.

Durham University and Durham University logo are registered Trade Marks of the University of Durham. Unless otherwise stated, all material in this publication is copyright of the University of Durham. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained here is accurate. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.

Born on 9 June 1781 near Newcastle, George spent his formative years working in all kinds of menial jobs – fireman, brakeman, collier – to keep food on the table and a roof over his head. It was in one of these jobs, working as a miner alongside his father, where he designed his first steam engines to be used in transporting coal within, from, and to the mine.

These early endeavours were followed by his first steam locomotive, the Blucher, designed in 1814. The locomotive’s unreliability and top speed of four miles per hour, instead of dejecting George, only pushed him to expand on his knowledge and improve the initial prototype. Five years later, in 1819, he begins work on the first of multiple railways, located in Sunderland.

Though he was well-known in Northern industrial circles, George’s entrance into the mainstream engineering field began in 1821, when he was appointed as an engineer for the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which opened a few years later as Britain’s first public railway. He was subsequently made engineer for the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, which also sponsored a competition to design a new locomotive to haul long-distance cargo. Here, George’s Rocket locomotive won the competition, achieving a speed of 36 miles per hour and becoming a template for steam locomotives over the next century.

Another one of George’s innovations was the creation and implementation of a standard rail gauge. At the time the Stockton and Liverpool railways were opened, no plans existed for railways to be interconnected, as their financing and purpose was derived mainly from private organisations looking to transport their own goods. George realised however that there is a likely chance of railways one day becoming a popular mode of transport, linking cities and areas across the country.

With this in mind, he proposed for all railway projects to lay their tracks at a standardised distance apart of four feet and eight inches.

His proposal was accepted, and to this day almost 150,000 miles of rail tracks around the world have been laid to Stephenson gauge, representing around 60% of the world’s rail tracks. The opening of these two railways, the success of the Rocket, and the acceptance of his gauge as standard, propelled George to national fame, and he became a leading figure in the railway industry of the early 19th century.

George Stephenson’s life is nothing short of remarkable. Born in a deprived house, to a blind father and an illiterate mother, he was always determined to work hard, innovate, think outside of the box, and succeed. He truly inspires the Stephenson College motto: me quondam mirabitur orbis, one day I shall astonish the world. We will make sure to raise a toast to our namesake at our annual George Stephenson Birthday BBQ on 9 June 2022!

...Rocket locomotive won the competition, achieving a speed of 36 miles per hour and becoming a template for steam locomotives over the next century.

Pictured below: Rocket was designed by Robert Stephenson in 1829, and built at the Forth Street Works of his company in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Pictured above: George Stephenson’s Birthplace, 18thcentury stone cottage. Located along the north bank of the River Tyne in the village of Wylam, Northumberland, the cottage is owned by the National Trust and until recently it was open to the public as a historic house museum.

...to this day almost 150,000 miles of rail tracks around the world have been laid to Stephenson gauge, representing around 60% of the world’s rail tracks.

Stephenson College Our History So Far

1832: SHAPED BY THE PAST

Durham was one of the first universities to establish medical training (1834), to admit women on an equal footing to men (1890), and the first to award Civil and Mining Engineering degrees to meet regional and national needs during the industrial revolution (1838).

Durham led in the development of science and established one of the earliest observatories in England.

1992: CAMPUS OPENS

In 1992 the Stockton-on-Tees campus welcomes its first 190 students as part of the University’s major contribution to the regeneration of the Tees Valley.

1993: ROYAL VISIT

University College, Stockton is officially opened by HRH Elizabeth II in 1993 and in 1995 the first students graduate in a ceremony at Stockton Parish Church. University College was the only Durham college with teaching responsibilities.

1994: FIRST RESIDENCES

The Earl of Stockton opens the first student residences – home to 234 first year students.

1998: EBSWORTH BUILDING AND NEW RESIDENCES

The £15 million extension of facilities is officially opened by the Chancellor of the University, Sir Peter Ustinov. The doubling of facilities includes a new academic building (the Ebsworth Building) and new residential accommodation for students.

2001: TWO NEW COLLEGES

In line with the University’s collegiate tradition, two new colleges - John Snow and Stephenson

- are created, which provide communities for all our students. This coincides with the opening of the purpose-built Wolfson Research Institute to house world leading multi-disciplinary research.

2002: TEN YEAR CELEBRATIONS

2002-03 marks the tenth anniversary of the campus. The University of Durham Stockton Campus, which was opened by HRH Elizabeth II in 1993, is awarded the title

“Queen’s Campus” in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee year. The Duke of Edinburgh announces the distinction on 8 May 2002, during a visit to the Campus at the end of a two-day royal tour of the North East.

2010: NEW SPORTS CENTRE

A multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art Sports Centre opens along with a purpose-built Boat House to accommodate John Snow & Stephenson Colleges’ Boat Clubs at Queen’s Campus. It is also the year that new social and study facilities are opened in both colleges.

2011: NEW FACILITIES

Significant investment is made in developing the central campus library, the Careers, Employability and Enterprise Centre, Café Aroma, and a dedicated postgraduate study area.

2012: CREATING THE FUTURE

This year sees a major extension to the Wolfson Building to deliver a state-of-the-art NHS Primary Care training facility and provision for Durham Business School for research and postgraduate study.

2013:

NEW PHARMACY DEGREE

Introduction of new Pharmacy undergraduate course (MPharm) that will eventually bring another 450 students to Queen’s Campus.

2017:

NEW BEGINNINGS

Stephenson College, along with John Snow College, move to the city of Durham on a phased basis. Stephenson College is housed in Hilton Cottage for the first year.

2018:

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Stephenson College relocates to the former home of Ustinov College at Howlands Farm, Durham City.

2021:

TWENTY YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Stephenson College celebrates its twentieth anniversary!

From Stockton to Durham: Reflections of an Assistant Principal

I joined the College team in 2009 when Stephenson was located in its first home at Queen’s Campus, Stockton. The iconic Infinity Bridge which crossed the River Tees had just opened and work was beginning on ‘Stephenson Central’, a brand-new facility for social and study space. This was to replace two Portakabins – the previous home to the JCR; a far cry from the fantastic space and facilities we are lucky to enjoy now.

Our Stockton years have afforded us many fond memories; dining in The Waterside, performances in the Arc Theatre and the annual Stockton fireworks. Not forgetting the replica Locomotion train on our doorstep, the ducks that frequented College or the riverside being lit up red as we headed into town for various events. Less fondly, I recall the sticky floors in the Rocket Union and the many hours spent on the X12 (or at least at the bus stop waiting for it!).

With our relocation planned, we wished our medics and pharmacists all the best in their next chapter at Newcastle University. Occupying Hilton Cottage as our interim Durham City base, we spent 2017-18 as a split-site College before fully relocating to Durham in the summer of 2018, when Stephenson said farewell to Queen’s Campus.

Twenty-four miles down the road (we know because we walked it), primed with apprehension and excitement (packing crates and sticky labels), we arrived at Howlands Farm in late September, with just days to rip up flooring and unpack a few boxes before welcoming our new students; Stephenson’s first ever historians, mathematicians and geographers, to name a few.

Since settling in Durham, we have moved from strength to strength. Our café-bar is among the best of all Colleges, we are spoiled with our fantastic green space and the calendar is jampacked with so many student activities.

Throughout the twenty years of Stephenson, we have seen much progression; we have moved, we welcome students from all disciplines, JCR Presidents no longer write their speeches on napkins and the ‘Danger Ranger’ became a ‘Steamo’, with an addition of a ‘Purple Train’!

We are proud of our heritage and many things remain; our Locomotion dinners, our accommodation block names and belting out Sweet Caroline on the karaoke. We maintain and stand proud of what makes us Stevo; our spirit, our warmth, our community.

I feel lucky to be a part of the Stephenson community and to have shared in memories old and new. I have shared celebrations over the years, at Summer Balls, Stevo Day and holding back tears at the annual Handover and Awards Dinner. Confiscating pets from rooms and subsequently fostering a hamster, losing a piano and having a transit van instead of a lorry turn up to move an entire College, are days that remind me that life at Stephenson is never dull. My fondest memories however are always of working closely with our students, getting to know them, watching them grow as individuals, graduating with their futures ahead of them and in some cases, going on to marry a fellow Stevo Ranger!

Being a part of Stephenson has given me memories and friendships to last a lifetime and I look forward to many, many more.

Author: Jane Dove

at Stephenson Harriet Axbey, MCR

President 2019-22

I joined Stephenson in 2015 at eighteen years old, a fresh-faced first year, up North for only the second time since my interview. On my first day I was welcomed by Tom, the then-JCR president, and a team of incredibly enthusiastic Freshers’ reps who helped move my belongings into Barker block, my new home. Back then, this was the start of a three-year degree, but little did I know I would still be here seven years later!

Of course, this was in Stockton-on-Tees, our original stomping ground before the 2018 move to Durham City. Back in my day things were somewhat simpler; we had students studying a small number of degree courses, an enviable location close to lectures/ gym/library and were indisputably the best college on campus. While the latter is still obviously true, many things have changed in the seven years since I arrived at Stephenson. We are now at the top of a hill, one which my calves did not thank me for, but one that we all got used to within the first few months. The college community started to comprise of students reading

degrees I had never encountered before, like Law, Mathematics, and Sociology. ‘What do you mean you don’t have to get up at 6.00am for placement every week?’ I’d ask these bemused and well-rested students.

Stephenson still has the same enthusiasm, if not even more so: having more rivals meant we had to up our game! But then came the Covid pandemic and the busy hub of student life changed beyond recognition. Josh Crawshaw and I became the ‘pandemic presidents’, busy running virtual events, helping quarantining students and getting our heads around the daily, sometimes hourly, changes to government and University policies. We had only been in Durham for a year, and we were facing a challenge we had not anticipated. I cannot praise the college staff highly enough for their hard work and dedication to the welfare of each and every student. The Stevo spirit was strong!

I have held a few roles within the college throughout my time here – JCR Junior Welfare Officer and Disabilities Rep as an undergraduate, MCR Vice-President, and finally MCR President during my postgraduate degrees (when I finally got one of the much-sought-after purple polo shirts!). Being involved with the college did not just feel like one big family, it is one big family.

As we celebrate two decades of Stephenson College, we have a new building, a new location, new students, and new staff. However, not once have I felt that I am not at Stephenson. Our college ethos has remained throughout my time here; it is still the same inclusive, friendly, and ever-enthusiastic underdog college as when I first arrived.

Back in my day things were somewhat simpler; we had students studying a small number of degree courses, an enviable location close to lectures/gym/library and were indisputably the best college on campus.

Seven years

Reflections of a Stockton generation

JCR President Sophie Hancox JCR President 2009 - 2010

I was lucky enough to be a member of Stephenson College and will carry fond memories and lasting friendships from my time there.

I was heavily involved in the JCR; I was elected as JCR Social Sec, Vice President and then President as a sabbatical year from 2009 to 2010.

Back then, we were based on Stockton campus. Though I am thrilled Stephenson has moved to the Hill in Durham, being in Stockton was a unique experience and one I will not forget. That said, I won’t miss the X1 bus!

During my tenure as President, we introduced the infamous Danger Ranger college drink, ‘Stevo Day,’ and held our first ball on site.

A proud memory was setting up Stephenson College Swim Team, which had oodles of talent. This was demonstrated when we ended at the top of the inter-collegiate swim gala and were asked by DU Swimming to have a feeder team.

The most lasting memory I have as a member of Stephenson College is the pride everyone felt to be part of the College. We were loud, vibrant, and confident within Stephenson.

Having the opportunity to be part of a select number of universities which provide collegiate experiences is something I will treasure. Being JCR President helped me expand and develop critical skills for the business world.

I graduated from Durham University in 2009, after completing my bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology.

Since leaving Stephenson and Durham, I travelled around America, worked as a ski representative in Italy, became British Airways Mixed Fleet Cabin Crew and had several roles at the BA Head Office. I then decided to become an RAF Officer, I worked as the PR Officer for the Red Arrows on Ex Western Hawk; a tour across North America for three months. I completed 3.5 years as an RAF Officer. I have since been selected on to a Military Officer Leadership Program at GE Aviation.

I genuinely believe I would not have had all these opportunities if it were not for what I learnt and the experiences I gained whilst being part of Stephenson.

Sophie

Hancox,

Military Officer Leadership Program, GE Aviation

Turning up at Matriculation with a handmade Stephenson Steam Train welcoming the new Freshers to collegiate life will stay with me.

Reflections of a Durham generation JCR President

Charles Lawrence JCR President 2021 - 2023

I applied to Durham to study Ancient History, an area of history I was interested in but hadn’t studied at school. Although I had applied to St Mary’s College, I ended up being allocated to Stephenson College.

I’d never heard of Stephenson College; at that time, it was in the midst of its journey to the city of Durham from its previous campus in Stockton-on-Tees, where it was only open to undergraduates studying a small range of subjects (not including Ancient History). Nonetheless, from that point, our fates were intertwined and in September 2018 I began my journey at Stephenson College!

To begin with, my involvement with the JCR was minimal. One of my first memories of the JCR, alongside the friendly Fresher’s Reps who helped me move in, was the DJ they had performing outside College on move-in day, something my parents still ask me about to this day. At that point I had little understanding of what a JCR was, even less how much work they’d likely put in to make my Freshers’ week go smoothly. My first interactions with the JCR came when I volunteered as a Post Offer Visit Day (POVD) Rep. I had a great time helping the future students with my friends and from that point I was hooked. I soon became joint President of the Stephenson Film Society and proceeded to help out at the summer Open Days. In my second year, I established a Politics Society in Stephenson, a highlight of which was collaborating with Durham’s Labour Club to host

a talk by Chi Onwurah, the MP for Newcastle Central. In my third year, I served as JCR Societies Officer, during the difficult conditions imposed upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, it was in September 2020 that I made my decision to run for JCR President.

I’d be lying if I said that I thought I would win, though I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t ecstatic when I did! Being JCR President has been the greatest honour of my life to date. It hasn’t always been easy, with the tumult of Freshers’ week and the post-exams event period coming to mind! But equally, it has been a fantastic experience. I’ve been able to work with some amazing people, both students and staff and couldn’t have wished for a better place to work straight after my degree. A particular highlight for me has been getting the JCR back on track post-Covid and hosting some great events that have truly helped put us on the map; believe it or not, we now get more Durfesses saying how great we are than we get saying how irrelevant we are (although for all our efforts, Google still thinks we’re in Stockton). Equally, working with college staff to provide some great enrichment opportunities for our students both in Stephenson and throughout the wider region has been another highlight. We have more and more students wanting to get involved with the JCR, be that through our sports teams and societies, helping with our committees or standing for election for our JCR Exec and non-Exec.

However, my work is not done yet, for we have more improvements we can make, and I am thrilled to be serving another term as JCR President in 2022-23 and thoroughly look forward to all the challenges and opportunities that will pose. Here’s to another twenty years!

Year in Review

Year in Review: Volunteering

Our 20th anniversary year has seen several successful community outreach initiatives, including a successful Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraiser, a bake sale for Durham for Refugees Kids Club as well as organising beach cleans at Seaham with Stephenson Marine Society.

In December we ran a Christmas Crafternoon in aid of Feeding Families and a Christmas card writing initiative, connecting Stephenson students with residents of local care homes across County Durham. In addition, Stephenson students donated 89kg to the Feeding Families food bank collection and Consett Community Pantry, as well as 52 selection boxes to PACT House Stanley.

£220.00 in donations. A great effort!

Our JCR Volunteering and Outreach Officer has established partnerships with Brownies and Cubs groups across Durham for a new project which will roll out from October 2022. We look forward to supporting children across County Durham in achieving their Stephenson College Environmental Champion badge!

In addition, Stephenson students will volunteer at Sherburn House residential home as part of a new joint intergenerational project with John Snow College, marking our twentieth year.

Stephenson Men’s Basketball Team organised a charity match against a mixed College team in aid of The Oddballs Foundation, raising awareness of testicular cancer and over

Year in Review: Performing Arts

The stage has come back to life and the College community has had the privilege of enjoying some wonderful musical and theatrical performances this year.

Stephenson Choir re-started this year and has gone from strength to strength, performing at many Formals and our JCR masquerade ball. Howlands Ensemble, a joint group with musicians from Josephine Butler College, was founded in November 2021.

Stephenson Creative also launched in November 2021 with a poetry workshop and reading with acclaimed Indian poet, translator, artist, and editor, Sudeep Sen.

Rocket Theatre Company delivered an excellent production of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull in February 2022, staged in Platform 2 in Stephenson Central. Set in the blaze of the Russian summer The Seagull follows a complex cast of characters as they grapple with life, death, art and love.

One of Chekhov’s finest pieces, The Seagull is set on the country estate of retiree Peter Sorin, who lives there with his niece and aspiring author Constantina Treplieff. Constantina has written a play that is soon to be performed by her love Nina Zarietchnaya, and witnessed by a varied mix of locals and visitors alike. But the audience members Constantina are the most nervous about are her mother Arkadina, and Arkadina’s lover, famous author Boris Trigorin. Little does Constantina know that writing this play will lead to a convoluted series of events resulting in both Nina’s downfall and her own.

In April 2022 we were thrilled to receive two new Steinway pianos in College, including a beautiful baby grand piano, as part of the wider University’s All-Steinway School accreditation. Durham University is now the largest AllSteinway School in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to providing the very best equipment possible for the study and practice of music.

In March 2022, JCR Music Officer Benjamin Southwick visited the Steinway & Sons factory in Hamburg to select our pianos.

“I spent a lot of time considering the space the piano would live in and its purpose; the piano needed to be accessible to all. It would be easy to access the full range of tone but not be unrewarding for the more advanced players.

I also thought about its use as a rehearsal instrument for choirs and how important it was that each note in a chord could be clearly distinguished, allowing singers to tune to the right note. I tried several pianos before settling on the tenth AS Model. I chose this piano because of its beautiful bass tone and solid high register, making it perfect for recitals and rehearsals alike.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Hamburg. It proved very fruitful for me as a musician; I wrote three compositions in the space of 48 hours which is very rare for me. The creative freedom and exposure to so many sublime instruments allowed my creative side to flourish. It was indeed an experience I will never forget.”

Durham University is now the largest all-Steinway School in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to providing the very best equipment possible for the study and practice of music.

in Review: Stephenson Ideas

Michaelmas Term 2021 saw the launch of our flagship Stephenson Ideas talk series, which has seen an excellent range of speakers coming into College on a Monday evening. Each talk aims to inspire, challenge and develop the intellectual curiosity of our students. The talk series features motivational and inspiring speakers with a story to tell, sometimes academic in nature, sometimes not, but always providing an opportunity to discuss innovative and engaging topics. The talks are accessible to all.

Speakers this year have included research scientist Dr John Topping as well as Carol Botten, CEO of Voluntary Organisations Network North East. Stephenson Ideas also hosted Stephan Roman CMG who explored “Russia and Britain - two countries doomed by history always to mistrust each other?” We were delighted to host Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the UK Environment Agency in November 2021. Sir James delivered our Stephenson Ideas COP 26 Keynote Lecture followed by an interactive Q&A session. For our post-COP 26 talk, Professor Jon Gluyas, Executive Director of Durham Energy Institute delivered an interesting talk on decarbonisation in the UK. At the end of November, we have welcomed Assistant Professor Elizabeth Evans who focused on myth busting around eating disorders and Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation who delivered an inspiring talk on how we can achieve a mentally healthy society.

talk aims

In Epiphany Term 2022 we hosted Rob Bell, CEO of Graydon Lloyd and Visiting Fellow of Durham University Business School, who shared his insights on business development and logistics in the context of developing markets.

Following on from this, Stephenson Ideas and The Durham Leaders Think Tank hosted a workshop focusing on ways to be a good leader and the value of unconventional leadership styles. The workshop was delivered by Mike Barton, the unconventional Chief Constable who turned Durham Constabulary into the best police force in the country.

Our final guest speaker of the year was Andrew Feinstein, former member of the African National Congress (ANC) and former South African MP in Nelson Mandela’s government. Andrew’s talk focused on Britain’s involvement in the war in Yemen and was attended by over 100 staff and students from across the University. A great way to round off the year!

Year

Each

to inspire, challenge and develop the intellectual curiosity of our students.

Year in Review: International Women’s Day

To celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day in March 2022, Stephenson College ran a Stephenson Women of the World campaign where staff and students could nominate Stephenson women in College who have made a positive difference to them.

Nominations covered a variety of reasons including everyday kindness, consistent support, meaningful contributions and inspiring work. You can view our Women of the World Instagram takeover featuring portraits of many of our nominees via @stephenson_college now!

We were able to come together as a College to celebrate their achievements at our dedicated IWD Formal on Thursday 11 March with guest speaker Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle-uponTyne Central.

Year in Review: Global Citizenship

Mexico Winter Research School

Stephenson College partnered with Durham Centre for Academic Development to deliver the online Mexico Winter Research School, a three-week programme enabling Mexican students to prepare for study in the UK. Many current Stephenson students have been involved in delivering the fun and informative sessions, including the ever-popular Stephenson Pub Quiz!

Project Kenten i2e Masterclass Series

Stephenson College was proud to partner with DU Business School and Regional Maritime University - Ghana to deliver a British Council funded virtual masterclass series throughout November and December 2021.

Over a hundred students from Stephenson, the wider DU community and RMU – Ghana participated in the masterclasses, exploring problems facing agri-business in Ghana from a logistics perspective and working on real life viable solutions, putting theory into practice.

UNC visit

Stephenson College welcomed students from the University of North Carolina in May 2022 as part of their tour around the UK. Principal Professor Rob Lynes and Vice-Principal Katie Stobbs were joined by Michele Thorns, International Officer from Durham County Council to discuss the history of Durham, the County Durham area, identity and Brexit with the group.

Year in Review: Community Connections

Stephenson College launched the Community Connections programme in 2022, which enables Stephenson students to explore and connect with the local community around them. The North East of England is a place of big adventures, breath taking beauty and a strong cultural heritage and we want to ensure that all Stephenson College students have the chance to enjoy it. Students have enjoyed trips to BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Auckland Project, Locomotion in Shildon and Beamish Museum. The trips ran during Epiphany and Easter Term 2022 and will be a permanent feature in the College calendar going forward.

The North East of England is a place of big adventures, breath taking beauty and a strong cultural heritage and we want to ensure that all Stephenson College students have the chance to enjoy it.

Year in Review: College Events

JCR Balls

The Nutcracker themed Winter Ball was the first flagship event in the calendar, taking place in the last week of Michaelmas term. Set at the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel, 500 students celebrated the end of term over a three-course meal. As always, entertainment ran throughout the evening, with dancers, live bands and of course a DJ and dance floor!

Stephenson staff and students came together in June 2022 to enjoy a Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Summer Ball, held at Derwent Manor Hotel on the Northumberland border. Attendees celebrated the end of the year on the hottest day of the year so far, having fun on the fairground rides and dancing the night away!

Stevo Day 2022

Stevo Day is always one of the most exciting and fun days in the calendar and this year was no exception. Students escaped to “Wonderland” where they enjoyed eleven hours of live music, inflatables and a hog roast!

Stephenson College Charity Fashion Show

The inaugural Stephenson College Charity Fashion Show was held in June 2022, raising £5330 for Papyrus, the UK charity for the prevention of young suicide.

The Fashion Show exec and models worked tirelessly to deliver a brilliant showcase of sustainable fashion from a range of up-andcoming designers, including Apricity Ireland, Gully Garms, Tom’s Trunks, Euphorius Design and Prativa Rai.

George Stephenson Birthday BBQ

Staff, students and SCR members came together on a lovely sunny afternoon sun at the annual George Stephenson Birthday BBQ on 9 June. Over 250 attendees enjoyed a delicious BBQ and slice of birthday cake in honour of our namesake.

Year in Review: Sports

Stephenson College sport has gone from strength to strength over the years and our 20th anniversary year was no exception for sporting excellence.

Stephenson is proud to field teams across 19 sports, including:

• Hockey (men’s and women’s)

• Football (four men’s teams and one women’s team)

• Squash (men’s and women’s)

• Netball

• Rugby (men’s and women’s)

• Basketball

• Cheerleading

• Rowing

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Rounders

• Darts

• Pool

• Table tennis

• Volleyball

• Running

• Badminton

• Cricket

• Tennis

• Lacrosse (mixed)

• Futsal

Phoenix Cheer, the joint Stephenson and John Snow cheerleading squad were crowned Durham Intercollegiate Grand Champions on 5 March 2022.

Stephenson Volleyball travelled to Praia da Rocha, Portugal for the Deep Dish Volleyball Tournament in April 2022. Players participated in a series of training sessions with top class coaches consisting of Olympians and Word Tour players/coaches. They also played in a variety of tournaments as well as enjoyed the vibrant social activities provided as part of the camp.

Stephenson College Rowing Club came third in the College Victor Ludorum at the Durham Regatta, a huge success which we look forward to building on.

Megan Finn and Ellie Cushen both earned a place in the Durham University Rowing squad and medalled in the intermediate 4x and 8+ BUCS Head rowing races in April 2022. They won the women’s VL for the weekend and it was the first time Durham University has won the women’s intermediate 8+ category in 7 years.

Our College varsity against South College in June 2022 resulted in a decisive Stephenson victory – we never doubted it!

The Floodlit Cup competition has been a highlight of the year, with notable wins including Stephenson Rangers A team beating Castle in men’s football. A competition that induces an unrivalled atmosphere that grips freshers and finalists alike, year abroad students and staff, the Floodlit Cup competition transcends year groups and friendship-based boundaries. We were proud to have an excellent turnout and all matches; we can’t wait for next year!

Year in Review: Societies

One of the things that makes Stephenson such a great place is that there’s simply so much to get involved with. We have a wide range of societies including:

• Stephenson Grow Society

• Stephenson Quiz Society

• Formula 1 Society

• Feminist Society

• Spag Bol Society

• Law Society

• Politics Society

• Rocket Theatre Company

• Stephenson Choir

• Stephenson Big Band

• Debating Society

• LGBTQ+ Society

• Christian Union

• Poker Society

All our societies meet regularly throughout the year and provide a great place to meet people with similar interests, or to pick up a new skill.

Year in Review: Research and Scholarly Activity

We pride ourselves on being an exciting multidisciplinary learning community.

Whilst undergraduate and postgraduate students receive formal degree teaching in their academic departments, there are plenty of formal and informal learning opportunities within the College, supported by our connections with learned institutions, research fellows and wider research networks. Stephenson College provides every member with the chance to see, hear and learn from incredible speakers, to ask questions and think about answers. The aim is to create a vibrant atmosphere for intellectual debate on major issues.

In 2022 we hosted Dr Stefano Bertea who joined us as an Institute of Advanced Study Visiting Fellow. IAS Fellowships are offered both to established, globally recognised scholars and earlier career researchers of outstanding promise. We look forward to hosting our next Fellow in Michaelmas Term 2022.

The Middle Common Room ran their first MCR Seminar in Easter Term 2022, providing a supportive space for Masters and PhD students to share their research and practice their presentation skills.

In July 2022, we held our inaugural Astonish the World Postgraduate Conference, covering a wide range of topics and approaches to the concept of astounding the world through the exploration of different fields of research.

The conference covered a wide range of topics and approaches to the concept of astounding the world through the exploration of different fields of research. Interdisciplinary by design, the conference attracted scholars working in STEM, the social sciences and arts and humanities, across a variety of fields. The conference opened with an all-female panel discussion on how Durham University should look in ten years’ time and also featured two workshops focusing on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as well as Mental Health as a PhD student.

Celebrating 20 years of Stephenson and John Snow Colleges

On the 28 April 2022, we were finally able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Stephenson and John Snow Colleges at a joint Formal dinner. This had been unable to happen in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions, so we were thrilled to come together in early 2022 as restrictions eased.

Students who have contributed to all areas of College life enjoyed a wonderful three course dinner and fantastic entertainment including Stephenson Choir, DU Gospel Choir and acapella group Full Score. The dinner format merged the best of both Colleges, with ungowned Stephenson students sitting on tables with their gowned John Snow counterparts – we are sure many new friendships were formed that evening!

Guest speakers included Professor Antony Long, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, who oversaw the move from Queen’s Campus to Durham, former Stephenson Principal Professor John Ashworth and current Stephenson Principal Professor Rob Lynes.

Following the dinner, our College band Painted Red played in a battle of the bands with John Snow’s Minus 5 – you’ll be pleased to hear that Painted Red won!

As the current Stephenson JCR President, Charles Lawrence said in his concluding toast, here’s to the next twenty years!

The dinner format merged the best of both Colleges, with ungowned Stephenson students sitting on tables with their gowned John Snow counterparts...

A joint Stephenson & John Snow marriage!

Lucy and I met when I was JCR President of Stephenson College in 2012. Lucy was the Charities Officer for John Snow and they wanted to organise an open mic night for both colleges. I helped her to arrange the event. It was a great success, raising lots of money for the men’s health charity, Movember. The Waterside was full, and this evolved into the Queen’s Campus Festival of Talents in subsequent years.

We actually got together later that year, and I invited her to our Burns Night Formal and like any great Durham couple it was sealed with a kiss in Klute. I knew she was special when I forgave her for leading a band of renegades on Snow Day to toilet paper my beloved Locomotion 1.

We have always maintained the old rivalries at home, although on reflection I note one room is painted blue, but there is no red in our house. However, I still end every mini set back with: “it could be worse, I could be in Snow.”

We ‘astonished the world’ when we recently got married in our current home of Leicester where I work as a junior doctor and Lucy is a research specialist for the Youth Sports Trust. We couldn’t get married without some wedding stash and some extra college touches which we thank both colleges for. The site of our parents drinking a Danger Ranger/Snow Job was a particular highlight. We will always be thankful for our time at Durham, the things we learnt and the friends we made.

We ‘astonished the world’ when we recently got married in our current home of Leicester where I work as a junior doctor and Lucy is a research specialist for the Youth Sports Trust.

Memories of Stephenson

Darren Sweetland

Greig (nee Mann): Class of 2003

Orchestra based at Queen’s Campus. Endeavour Orchestra and Choir performed at Durham Cathedral and once had to have one of our concerts rescheduled because of Harry Potter filming! I also started a small choir and we had one of our first concerts on the replica of Captain Cook’s Ship the Endeavour, HMS Bark Endeavour, which was moored in Stockton-onTees!

Elizabeth Savin

Class

of 2005, Applied Psychology Democracy Communications Consultant Colchester, UK

‘Don’t let your degree get in the way of your education’ - was first said to me as a motto of the Student Union. In the years I was at Stephenson I was a Junior and Senior DSU Rep often making the schlep on the X1 and X11 bus to Durham to attend meetings. However, the friends I made and the opportunity to (at that time) bring the two campuses together was enjoyable, if not at times challenging. Being a Stephenson College alumna, I fondly look back on my experiences of living in ‘Cooper’ block, Stephenson Days, the ‘big reveal’ of the Portakabins ‘George’ and ‘Stevie,’ the introduction of formal dinners in the Holliday Building, Saturday drinks at ‘The Rocket’, visits to Klute (then voted the ‘worst nightclub in Europe’) and ICBINCheese/Planet of Sound.

Those who could afford it would rent in ‘toy town’, you would take trips to Bells to buy your essentials and there was the ever-friendly rivalry with fellow Queen’s Campus students: John ‘are you cool enough to be a Snowman?’ Snow College. The time since I have left feels like no time at all, but I imagine for the newest cohort of Stevo some of the experiences must be vastly different.

Class

of 2006, Business Chartered Accountant and Managing Director London, UK

I left Stephenson College with a real sense of gratitude; not only for the provision of excellent academia, but the breadth of opportunities made available to everyone. I cherish many fond sporting memories amongst peers that have become lifelong friends, a constant reminder of how university life can curate friendships and help build connections in your future working career.

Helen

Kruis Class of 2010, Accounting & Finance Wealth Management Hong Kong

Four of my fondest years were spent at Stephenson and I still remain close friends with a number of fellow students who I met on my first day moving into College.

Class of 2015, Accounting & Finance Research and Development Director London, UK

I started my Durham journey in 2011 as a Foundation student, and I would say those were the best four years of my life. I joined the hockey team, JCR, CSSA (Chinese Students & Scholar Association), Horse Riding Society and remember the time spent singing Stevo songs ‘against’ John Snow, painting myself in red for Stevo night, cooking in the share-kitchen with my flatmates, and writing my dissertation with classmates at 03.00am at the library. All these wonderful moments keep inspiring me and will always be treasured in my memory.

If anyone had told me when I arrived at Stephenson College as a Fresher, that I would be leaving 3 years later with the highest award that the college can give, I would have told them that they were delusional. After spending the weeks before arriving at university toying between packing my things and cancelling my place, I can now say from the bottom of my heart that being a part of Stephenson College is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

to worry that Stevo simply wouldn’t be the same when we finally were allowed back. However, on the first day back in Durham in April 2021, Stephenson’s beer garden opened its doors and flooded with people across all year groups. It was the first time in a long time that normality had returned, and a memory at Stephenson that I will never forget.

A huge part of my Stephenson experience was being the Ball Chair in my second and third year. I was in charge of organising the largest events in the college calendar, our Winter and Summer balls. Although sometimes feeling like event organising was my full-time job and my degree was just a bit of fun on the side, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The friendships I made with students and staff were really special; the feeling of a job well done, surrounded by all the people who supported and helped me. Being Ball Chair is my proudest memory of being in Stephenson College.

But the thing that sets Stephenson apart from the rest of Durham University is the people. I have never met a more welcoming, funny, and genuine group of people. Being a part of Stevo has been extraordinary for me: arriving alone, nervous and feeling pretty terrified about the future, and leaving now with more confidence and excitement than I thought was possible – I owe that all to Stephenson College. Most importantly, I came to Stephenson having never heard of it before and leaving now, being able to forever call it my home.

From the moment I arrived, my outlook on coming to Stephenson and University in general did a 180. By the end of the first six months of being in Stephenson, I was in the Hockey and Netball team, been elected as the Ball Chair for the following year, and most importantly made incredible friends from the whole college.

A lot of students in Durham often lose connection with their college after moving out into the city for second year, however the same cannot be said for Stephenson students. During the pandemic in my second year, all we wanted to do was be back together in college. We began

Class of 2016, Applied Psychology Project Manager (Volunteering & Nature Engagement) at the National Trust Bath, UK

My time at Stephenson College was an amazing one, filled with great memories from being in the JCR to taking part in college sport and attending balls and formals. I wish I could do it all over again!

William

Keying Lai

Ellen Parker

Class of 2022, Biological Sciences  Kent, UK

Isabel Jones

The friendships I made with students and staff were really special; the feeling of a job well done, surrounded by all the people who supported and helped me.

Change starts with us Looking ahead to the next 20 years for Stephenson College

Stephenson College is part of a collegiate community of extraordinary people providing a world leading wider student experience in a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence. We know that to achieve our vision for the College requires all of us, staff, students, and alumni, to play our part and that ‘change starts with us.’

Our vision is to be a values led College recognised for the excellence of our students and staff, a distinctive student experience and the unique contribution we make to society and the environment.

Over the coming years our aim is to build on the success to date and become an oversubscribed, inclusive College capable of offering the highest quality University brand of Collegiate student experience in a modern setting. We will do this in partnership with our vibrant Common Rooms, attracting students and members from all parts of society, in the UK and overseas.

Our highest-level targets are to play a full and proper part in delivering the University’s strategic goals, in particular the wider student experience. We also want to provide an environment within which all students, staff and alumni can achieve their full potential on all fronts by creating an active community of relevance to every constituent group.

We want Stephenson to be recognised as a modern, progressive, forward-thinking College,

where our students engage in a wide range of opportunities that challenge them and help them develop as active global citizens. We will encourage our students to pursue their intellectual curiosity and celebrate innovation and new ideas. Importantly, we will support them as they develop a sense of service and civic responsibility and among other things champion sustainability. Students will have the opportunity to develop their self-awareness, leadership, and problem-solving skills, and participate in a wide range of societies and sports teams of interest to the widest possible group.

We envisage the College hosting and engaging world-class scholars, leaders from commerce, science, the arts, politics, and a wide range of fields. We will also continue to work with research postgraduates, postdoctoral students, and researchers through the forging of close and supportive relationships with all departments in the University.

Over the coming years we plan to further develop our facilities, which together with our grounds, will reflect our unique identity and values. We want to be able to offer multiple opportunities for students to engage in a range of music, performance, sports, and creative activities, as well as providing a comfortable social space for relaxing, studying and community dining.

Over the next few years, working with you, our partners, and stakeholders, we plan to achieve 6 key goals:

• Raise the profile and reputation of Stephenson College, within the University, in Durham and across the UK.

• Provide a rich, distinctive student enrichment programme enabling our students to grow and develop new skills and to have a positive impact on world around.

• Enhance our inclusive, caring community by positively promoting good health and wellbeing (social, physical, and mental) as the foundation for academic success and a great student experience.

• Build a strong empowered College team.

• Develop an active and engaged alumni around the world.

• Provide excellent facilities to enhance the College wider student experience.

We firmly believe the College plays an important role in helping to develop our student’s personal growth alongside their academic growth.

As a valued member of Stephenson College, we very much hope that you will continue to support us on this journey in any way you can and help us deliver our vision and goals. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like to contribute something to the College or if you wish to share your ideas and suggestions.

Thank you for all your support and I look forward to the next 20 years of success for Stephenson College.

Professor Robert Lynes CMG Principal of Stephenson College and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global)

Importantly, we will support them as they develop a sense of service and civic responsibility and among other things champion sustainability.