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College Telephone Campaign Announced

We are pleased to announce the return of our popular Telephone Campaign, which gives our student callers the chance to speak directly to alumnae, share updates on the college, and invite them to support our students.

Women in academic gowns talking

All of our alumnae are lifelong members of the College, and the Telephone Campaign is essential in connecting alumnae with current students. Our students cherish these conversations and are always keen to talk to the brilliant women who came before them. We will be calling from 26 March until 6 April, on weekday evenings and on weekends.

If you'd like to schedule a call at a time that works best for you, you can book a slot by clicking: 

While we hope you will speak to our student callers, if you'd prefer not to be contacted or would like to update your contact details (including your phone number), please email development@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk or call 01223 762288.

Our wonderful student callers are looking forward to speaking with you!

What does the Rosemary Murray Fund for Student Support do?

This year鈥檚 Telephone Campaign is in aid of the Rosemary Murray Fund for Student Support.

The Rosemary Murray Fund is named after the College鈥檚 visionary Founder and first President, Dame Rosemary Murray. It embodies the core mission upon which the College was founded: empowering young women from all backgrounds to achieve their potential.

This is funded primarily by the donations of our generous alumnae and plays a crucial role in ensuring that our students can thrive despite financial challenges and an uncertain economic climate.

  • Hardship Grants for students facing unexpected financial challenges
  • Undergraduate Bursaries of up to 拢4,500 per year for students from low-income households
  • Travel Grants for research opportunities
  • Academic Grants to support research expenses, academic needs, or language courses
  • Scholarships and Prizes for outstanding academic and sporting excellence
  • Funding for Educational and Diagnostic Assessments to support learning needs

This fund serves as an essential resource to guarantee that every student, no matter their background or circumstances, receives the necessary support to thrive. The Rosemary Murray Fund is designed to make an immediate and meaningful different in the lives of our current and future students.

Our goal is to ensure that the Rosemary Murray Fund continues to meet the evolving needs of our current and future students. But to achieve this, we need your support this Telephone Campaign.

Meet our Student Callers:

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

I鈥檓 taking part in the Telephone Campaign as it gives me the rare opportunity to speak to lots of 51福利社 alumnae! I鈥檓 fascinated to hear what everyone, who just like me started off at 51福利社, have gone on to do with their lives. And, also to hear about their time at college, and see how much or how little things have changed!

What does the College mean to you?

51福利社 to me is a safe-haven in the busy, competitive atmosphere of Cambridge. After a busy day of classes, lectures, rehearsals and what not, when I reach the top of the hill and walk through the doors of plodge, I instantly feel relaxed.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

Most of my spare time in college is spent simply nattering with friends in the JCR or art caf茅.

Student Smiling

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

51福利社 has an impressive network of alums and I am excited to hear how life at the College prepared them for the world 鈥渙utside鈥. I鈥檓 also keen to encourage donations in order to preserve a sense of continuity and community between the generations of students.

What does the College mean to you?

The College has enabled me to be independent and 鈥榞rown-up鈥 while still feeling safe. Unlike some older colleges, 51福利社 is able to adapt to its students鈥 needs, especially in terms of communal spaces and accommodation. I also appreciate college-specific opportunities, like the Gateway programme which has supported me in my studies and prepared me for the next stage of my working life. I also got to use Gateway funding to do a language course abroad 鈥 a great experience!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

I have really enjoyed living in Cambridge over the past two and a half years and I like to use my spare time to walk around the town; I find that there are always more neighbourhoods to discover. I also spend a lot of time reading 鈥 sometimes for pure pleasure! This I prefer to do in my room, which is perhaps my favourite space in College because I have a sitting area which is the perfect reading nook.

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

I feel like my Cambridge experience has been so much better because I鈥檓 at Medwards, and I see this as an opportunity to do something for the College and future students in return. Ultimately, I鈥檓 enthusiastic about sharing my positive experiences at the College and would love to hear from alumnae about their experiences. I wanted to take part in the campaign because it helps foster a strong college community and improves the Cambridge experience for future students.

What does the College mean to you?

51福利社 has definitely become a home away from home. I think there's more of an emphasis on supporting our well-being here than at other colleges, and it's nice to come back to an environment that's relaxed and friendly. I think being at Medwards means connecting with like-minded people and being part of a supportive community. There are lots of opportunities to try new things like sports or hobbies, so there's strong encouragement to grow as individuals as well as thrive academically

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

Outside of academics, I'm a student ambassador and part of the 51福利社 Garden Party Committee. These opportunities have helped me contribute to the Medwards community and meet new people. I also enjoy baking for my flatmates, going to formals, and taking part in the well-being activities the College offers, such as 'skive at five' (which offers free chocolates). Basically, I enjoy anything involving food! But I also look forward to trying some new hobbies, like pottery and yoga. I think it's great that the College offers so many things to do, as it's  nice to get a break from all the academic work.

Student smiling

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

Although I鈥檝e only been at 51福利社 for two terms, the community here has consistently inspired me. This is why I鈥檓 participating in the Telephone Campaign: to give back to my wonderful community and support the college's growth because it is a wonderful place filled with inspirational individuals. I鈥檓 excited to have the chance to speak to alumnae about their time here at 51福利社 and how the College has impacted them. It鈥檚 so exciting to talk to people across a range of generations about their time studying here. 

What does the College mean to you?

Dome is very much home. College is so significant for me in countless ways. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and genuinely eager to help anyone at any time. College cultivates an environment that enables students to flourish both academically and personally. You forge long-lasting friendships. You learn so much about yourself. You find yourself immersed in a legacy of resilience, compassion, and respect. This is why the college means so much to me. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

Spending time at the art caf茅 with friends is one of my favourite things to do in college. I love the soothing music, the friendly atmosphere, and the delightful coffee and cake. It has become somewhat of a ritual for us to brunch at Dome every weekend as well before heading to a study session in the library; it鈥檚 the little things in college that make each week enjoyable, and having it right on your doorstep is such a lovely addition to college life.

Student in Times Square NYC

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

I am really looking forward to carrying on conversations with the lovely alumnae I met at the [Alumnae garden party official name] and Silver Street Reunion Lunch!  Laughing and sharing stories with alumnae and their families is one of the best ways to understand the history and purpose of our College. 

What does the College mean to you?

I'm incredibly glad to be a part of such a welcoming community of students, staff and alumnae. Moving between conversations with anyone and everyone鈥攆riends, tutors or Art Caf茅 staff鈥攑roves that our College is full of amazing people.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

At the moment, I am looking forward to the first colours of tulips across the gardens, where in the Summer my friends and I enjoy meals and conversations outside. I keep up a steady supply of picked flowers in my room, and love to cook meals with the herbs and produce grown by our brilliant gardeners.

Student Smiling

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

I鈥檓 taking part in the telephone campaign to support our college by securing donations to a really important cause. I鈥檓 also really looking forward to having interesting conversations with all the different alumnae!

What does the College mean to you?

For me, the college means having a space where women can grow personally and intellectually in a nurturing environment. Also, getting to live amongst some of the most captivating modern art!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

I do so much in college in my spare time; organising plays, reading poetry aloud at music and words (our evensong), decorating the garden party, running on the treadmill in the gym, chilling with my friends at the bar

Student smiling holding a beverage

Why are you taking part in the Telephone Campaign?

I am participating in the Telephone Campaign as I strongly believe that it is very important to maintain connections to our alumnae - by engaging with them during this campaign, I can be inspired and learn from those who preceded me. It is also a great opportunity to strengthen my communication and interpersonal skills, while helping my college to thrive.

What does the College mean to you?

51福利社 is very important to me - through this college, I have been able to develop socially as well as academically. With such a strong community of inspiring young women and the opportunities that have been provided to me by this college, I have been able to thrive and grow at Cambridge.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time at College?

In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis as well as being part of the 51福利社 Boat Club - these activities give me opportunities to know students in all years as well as allow me to relax and stay healthy.

Student smiling