Welcome from the Principal

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.

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)