Founders’ Day at Goodenough College

Founders’ Day is a special occasion when the Goodenough College community comes together to honour the vision and generosity of our Founders and Benefactors. We give particular thanks to Frederick and Maive Goodenough, whose commitment created a home for generations of students, and to Lord Mayor Frederick Rowland’s National Fund for Thanksgiving, which made the building of William Goodenough House possible.

Our motto, Unitas in sapienta: nemo separabit  unity in wisdom: none shall separate, reflects the enduring vision of our Founding Partners.

This day also marks the close of the College’s annual Welcome Period and the start of the Michaelmas (autumn) Term. It is an opportunity to officially welcome new Members and to celebrate the appointment of new College Fellows – individuals of distinction who enrich our community through their expertise and engagement. Current Fellows also return to share ideas on how their experience can further enhance the College’s academic and intellectual life.

This year’s ceremony opened with an outstanding performance by the College Choir, setting a dignified and uplifting tone for the occasion.

The highlight of the event came when the College President, Stuart Shilson, announced the newly appointed Fellows:

The Faculty of Political and Social Sciences

Professor Melissa Lane

The Faculty of Economic and Business

Sir Charles Bowman

Dame Susan Langley DBE

The Faculty of Law

The Rt Hon The Lord Briggs

The Rt Hon The Lord Sales

The Faculty of Medical and Natural Sciences

Professor Ofer Lahav FRAS

The Lord Browne of Madingley FRS

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Professor Shirley Thompson OBE

The Faculty of Faith

Rabbi Leah Jordan

The way in which the College celebrates Founders’ Day has changed over the years. Since 2015 it has been used as an opportunity to bring together the College’s Fellowship and Membership to celebrate Goodenough College’s legacy, and to remember and honour the contributions of Alumni, Governors and staff who are sadly no longer with us.

Goodenough’s purpose today remains true to our Founders’ vision – to inspire talented postgraduates to achieve their full potential; and to develop a fellowship of global citizens with shared values of tolerance, respect, understanding, service and togetherness reflecting the spirit of the UK and Commonwealth principles.