Saturday 21 September 2024 saw the first celebratory event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the admission of women at Brasenose with alumni of all generations.
The day started with a panel debate at the Mathematical Institute on Woodstock Road as part of the University’s ‘Meeting Minds’ Alumni Weekend. Entitled ‘Five@50’ the debate had representatives from each of the five former men’s colleges who took the step first to admit women in 1974: Brasenose, Hertford, Jesus St Catherine’s and Wadham Colleges. Chaired by Vice Chancellor Irene Tracey, the speakers were Lexi Loizou (Brasenose, 2021), Jen Cownie (Hertford, 2005), Francine Stock (Jesus, 1976), Lisa Roberts KC (St Catherine’s, 1988) and Mary Ann Sieghart (Wadham, 1979). More on the speakers below.
Later during the afternoon, back at Brasenose, guests gathered for a discussion on how the involvement of women in college has changed over the years. Chaired by Fellow and alumnus, Dr Anne Edwards (1974), speakers included Fellow in English Prof Sos Eltis, Narmada Thiranagama (1996), Margherita De Fraja (2013), Marcia Hutchinson (1982), and Jane Johnson (1987) and Amanda Holland (1988), both1974 Women’s network founders. On the surrounding walls was hung a temporary exhibition, ‘The Changing Faces Of Brasenose’ which commemorated and celebrated some of the women of Brasenose and their contribution to the college and to society. The exhibition will be developed and added to throughout the anniversary year and displayed to coincide with some of the events planned to celebrate the anniversary.
The day concluded with a joyful dinner in Hall with many in 70s-themed fancy dress. After the dinner, the 70s theme continued with a disco in the bar.
5@50 speakers
- Lexi Loizou (Brasenose, 2021) – Lexi read English at Brasenose College and graduated this summer. She joined Brasenose in 2021 having lived independently since the age of 16. She was elected JCR President in her second year.
- Jen Cownie (Hertford, 2005) – Jen is one half of the tarot reading duo, Litwitchure, and co-author of Wild Card. She splits her time between working as a strategy director for ad agency VCCP, and her creative work.
- Francine Stock (Jesus, 1976) – Francine is a British radio and television broadcast journalist and novelist. She joined the BBC in 1983 as a producer and was one of the original presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. She is also an author, her novels include ‘A Foreign Country’ (1999) and ‘Man-made Fibre’ (2002).
- Lisa Roberts KC (St Catherine’s, 1988) – Lisa specialises in environmental law, health and safety and professional discipline. She has a national reputation for Inquiry work and is widely-respected for her work on behalf of the water industry.
- Mary Ann Sieghart (Wadham, 1979) – Mary is the author of the best-selling book, ‘The Authority Gap’. She spent 20 years as Assistant Editor and columnist at The Times, has presented many programmes on BBC Radio 4, is a visiting professor at King’s College London and was Chair of the judges for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2022.
