Anniversaries offer more than an opportunity to mark the passing of time. They allow us to reflect on shared beginnings, to recognise growth, and to look ahead with confidence.
Last year we celebrated milestone anniversaries at three of our colleges: St Mary’s College turned 125 and both Van Mildert College and Ustinov College celebrated 60 years.
This year, we are celebrating with four more of our colleges as Trevelyan College turns 60, Josephine Butler College approaches its 20th anniversary, and Stephenson College and John Snow College each mark 25 years since their founding. Together, these anniversaries celebrate the continuing importance of the collegiate community and the lasting impact of those who pass through it.
Trevelyan College is entering its seventh decade since its foundation in 1966. The College is named after historian George Macaulay Trevelyan, Chancellor of the University from 1950 to 1957. It was the last purpose-built all-female college to be built for a British university. Men were admitted for the first time in 1992 and the College is now a diverse, international community with just over 1,000 students.
Josephine Butler, Stephenson and John Snow Colleges are relatively young in nearly two centuries of our University history. Each takes its name from a social pioneer whose work reshaped thinking in their field and whose influence reached well beyond their own generation. 19th Century social reformer, Josephine Butler championed equality, particularly for women and girls. George Stephenson became known as the father of the railway after the Stockton-Darlington line opened in 1825, transforming transport and industry. Pioneering 19th-century physician, Dr John Snow, became one of the founding figures of modern public health, changing the course of public health through evidence and innovation. From their origins in the North East of England, their legacies continue to resonate across the world and through the colleges that bear their names.
Trevelyan College: Explore without Limits
Trevelyan’s distinctive hexagonal architecture was designed by John Eastwick-Field and has won a Civic Design Award. Its facilities are interconnected and under one roof, epitomising the friendly atmosphere upon which the College prides itself. In 2020, Trevelyan added to their Latin motto with an additional English one, “Explore without Limits”. This reflects the College’s focus on providing its students with the opportunities they need to challenge themselves and develop into well-rounded, future-ready graduates.
60th anniversary activity will celebrate success and acknowledge the College’s history through a programme of events involving current students and alumni spanning the 2026/2027 academic year, marking both the foundation in 1966 and the first year of residence in 1967.
There are a series of alumni reunion events planned as well as specific student-led events, both in Durham and other locations and specific student-led events to celebrate the College’s rich heritage in music, theatre, sport and art.
The anniversary will celebrate the six decades of success, inclusion and community, and create a lasting legacy to support future generations of students so that they too can ‘explore without limits’.
The vision will deliver in three areas: scholarships, bursaries and facilities. Six Explore Scholarships will offer financial support to undergraduate students from under-represented backgrounds for the duration of their study. Student enrichment will be supported through the establishment of an Explore Fund, which will provide bursary support to encourage talented students to gain new experiences, develop new skills, and explore new ideas.
The final area of focus is on College facilities. Existing facilities will be enhanced with new equipment, fixtures and fittings to improve students’ experience and provide spaces for reflection and enhanced personal wellbeing.
There are exciting plans for the commissioning of a new piece of music to commemorate the anniversary, echoing the creation of the Trevelyan Suite, composed by Sir Malcolm Arnold for the opening ceremony of the College.
Activity will also include 600 hours of student volunteering in the local community, and alumni will be encouraged to inspire future generations by telling their story – the target is to share 60 alumni profiles in the duration of the academic year.
I am excited and look forward to celebrating 60 years of excellence at Trevelyan College, where we will honour our rich legacy, recognise our collective achievements, and embrace a bold vision for a future in which every student is empowered to explore, grow, and thrive without limits.”
Professor Adekunle Adeyeye
Principal of Trevelyan College
John Snow College: 25 years of shared stories
As John Snow College marks its twenty-fifth anniversary, celebration has centred on storytelling, reconnection and recognition. Throughout the year, alumni have been invited to share memories, photographs and reflections of their College experience.
Anniversary events have offered a range of ways to reconnect. Earlier this spring, a black-tie cocktail event in London brought alumni together to celebrate the College’s achievements and friendships formed since its foundation. On campus, the College hosted its largest Snow Day to date in June, with live music, food and activities bringing together students, staff and alumni in a shared moment of celebration.
A series of initiatives have also focused on strengthening links between current students and alumni. The Junior Common Room’s 2001 Club, named after the College’s founding year, has been developed to support connection across generations. Whether helping someone navigate a new city, begin a new role, or simply stay in touch, the emphasis is on maintaining college links for life.
The anniversary year also includes recognition of outstanding alumni through the 25 Faces for 25 Years initiative, celebrating individuals whose journeys reflect the values and legacy of John Snow College.
During a reunion weekend in July, John Snow and Stephenson College alumni communities began the year of celebration together with a gowned formal dinner and an opportunity to stay in College.
Our 25th anniversary is an opportunity to engage every part of the John Snow community — students, alumni and friends — in a year-long celebration. The programme spans three key areas: the launch of the John Snow Futures Programme, alumni and Senior Common Room engagement and a vibrant series of celebration events including a reunion Formal Dinner in Durham.”
Professor Nathan Sempala-Ntege OBE MA
Principal of John Snow College and Dean of Colleges
Stephenson College: 25 years of innovation and engagement
Stephenson College has begun marking its 25th anniversary through a series of events and initiatives leading up to September 2026. Named after the engineer and innovator George Stephenson, the College has long been associated with creativity, diversity and momentum, which are reflected in the anniversary programme.
At the heart of the celebrations is Connection 25, an initiative bringing together representatives from each generation of Stephenson graduates. These representatives have helped shape anniversary plans, ensuring that a wide range of voices and experiences are reflected in the programme.
A key feature of the anniversary year is the 25 Faces of Stephenson exhibition, which recognises the achievements of alumni, students and staff who have shaped the College. The exhibition will be displayed as a lightbox installation throughout the anniversary year, creating a visible reminder of the people at the College’s heart.
As we get ready to celebrate our 25th anniversary through our Connection 25 campaign, we’re excited to connect with alumni over the next 12 months for a series of special events that honour our shared past and look ahead to an even brighter future.”
Katie Stobbs
Principal of Stephenson College
Josephine Butler College: 20 years of community and connection
Josephine Butler College will also celebrate its 20th anniversary during the 2026–27 academic year, with a full programme of activity. The anniversary year is intended as a celebration for the entire ‘Butler ‘community. Alumni will be warmly welcomed back to Durham to mark the occasion.
Plans for the year are designed to reflect the College’s values of inclusion, creativity and engagement. One of the first major moments in the anniversary calendar will be a celebratory event in Durham Cathedral in November 2026. The evening will include performances and readings curated by Butler alumni, offering a meaningful link between past and present. Alumni will have the opportunity to take part, either as contributors or as members of the audience. Many will recognise the familiar walk from College to Cathedral as a nod to shared traditions.
Looking ahead to summer 2027, a reunion weekend is planned for July. While arrangements are still being developed, the intention is to offer a welcoming and inclusive programme, with opportunities for accommodation in College, shared meals and time to reconnect with friends, families and fellow alumni. Butler alumni who would like to help shape the weekend are encouraged to share their interest in joining the planning committee.
Alongside these larger events, the College continues to offer ways for alumni to remain part of daily college life. Alumni networking has been a key feature in recent years, including the Annual Josephine Butler Networking Dinner held earlier this spring. Bringing together students and graduates, the evening created space for conversation, encouragement and shared experience, illustrating the strength of Butler’s cross-generational community.
Regional alumni meet-ups have also taken place across the country, including gatherings in the North East, London and the North West of England. Butler Day, celebrated in June, provided another opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the College community. Alumni places at College formals continue to be available for those returning to Durham.
Further details of the anniversary programme will be shared during the year, with some activities accessible remotely and others taking place in Durham and beyond. Alumni remain central to these plans, whether by attending events, sharing memories or simply staying in touch.
Named after a pioneer of social justice, Josephine Butler College continues to embody her legacy through an enduring commitment to inclusion, belonging and care. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2026–27, we invite our alumni to connect and celebrate with us, reflecting on our past and shaping our future.”
Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson
Principal of Josephine Butler College
Across all three anniversaries, a shared message emerges. Colleges may be places students live for only a few years, but the sense of belonging they create often lasts much longer. Alumni frequently speak of their college as the foundation for lifelong friendships, confidence and connection.
As Josephine Butler, John Snow and Trevelyan Colleges reflect on their journeys so far, they do so with gratitude for the people who have shaped them. Alumni remain an essential part of that story through shared memories, ongoing involvement and support for future generations.
These coming-of-age anniversaries are moments to celebrate the past, recognise the present and look ahead. Above all, they remind us that our collegiate communities are built not only on history, but on the continued connection of those who call them home.
