2026 Telephone Campaign

As part of the 2026 Telephone Campaign, our current Oriel students will be calling Orielenses around the world as part of our commitment to nurturing our global community. Our students enjoy talking with alumni, and we hope the conversations will give you an insight into life at Oriel today as well as the ways you can get involved in celebrating the college’s 700th anniversary with us.

You will be informed if our students will be contacting you as part of this campaign.

Meet the callers

Charlie

Hi! My name is Charlie, and I am a 3rd year Classics student. In my time here at Oriel, I have developed a strong attachment to the College and to many aspects of life here. Last year, I was Captain of the Oriel Football Club, which proudly earned a long-awaited promotion. This year, I have taken on the role of President of the 2026 Oriel College Commemoration Ball, a hugely important event which will triumphantly celebrate Oriel’s 700 years of history. Outside of Oriel, I come from a quite international background, and can fluently speak Italian, English and French, as well as a little Spanish. I hope we get an opportunity to speak over the phone at some point!

Flora C

Hi! My name is Flora, and I’m a third year Engineering student. I’ve been involved in many different elements of college life in my time here – I was food rep in second year, bringing the JCR tuck shop back to life, and I’m currently Co-Captain of the Oriel women’s football team, which made it to the Cuppers semi-finals this year. Oriel has become a real home for me, and I think that the sense of community that flourishes here is part of what makes it so special – in previous telethons, one of my favourite parts has been hearing from alumni just how similar their experiences of Oriel have been, despite the decades passed. I’m looking forward to hearing even more stories this year!

Flora M

Hi! My name is Flora (too!) and I’m a second year English Language and Literature student here at Oriel. I love my degree and the history of books all round, which makes me extra grateful for the rich past of Oriel and its 700-year-old walls! Alongside my studies, I am the Executive Editor of the college’s student newspaper The Poor Print, which I also love to contribute to, and participate regularly in the Oriel JCR as Social Media Officer. It is partly to learn more about intra-college bodies like these that I can’t wait to speak to alumni and be inspired by all their various paths since!

Gift

My name is Gift, and I am a first-year undergraduate at Oriel College, reading Theology. I am originally from the north of England and a Crankstart Scholar. I have settled in well at Oriel, which I consider a home away from home. Alongside my studies, I am actively involved in extracurricular activities including the Oxford University Royal Naval Unit, the Oxford Union, church groups, and the C. S. Lewis Society. I have career aspirations to serve in the Royal Navy and value opportunities that develop leadership, discipline, and critical thinking. I am keen to engage further with alumni to learn from their experiences.

Jack

Hi! I’m Jack, a first-year Philosophy and Theology undergraduate student from Colorado. I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Oriel so far, largely because of the social community. Outside of my studies I love walking in nature and playing jazz-adjacent music in bands around Oxford; I’m involved in the Jazz Society and Philosophy Society. I’m looking forward to spending my next three years at Oriel and can’t wait to speak with alumni about their experiences.

Leigh

I’m Leigh, I’m a first-year Physics and Philosophy student. I’m originally from East London and I’m a Crankstart Scholar. I like to read and occasionally I draw but mostly I’m busy studying. I’ve loved my time at Oriel so far and getting to study in Oxford feels like such an immense privilege, so I look forward to the busy years ahead. I’m excited to speak with alumni and learn about their years and experiences in college and after.

Jude

Hi! My name is Jude and I am a third-year finalist student studying History. I am originally from Camden Town in North London, and I love that Oriel has introduced me to some of my best friends for life. I take pride in my involvement in college life and thoroughly enjoyed my role as Entertainment Representative in the 2024/5 academic year. Meeting new people and having interesting conversations about our shared or not shared interests is something that I really love doing, and I hope that we get to speak on the phone about what Oriel is doing in its 700th year as an educational institution.

Jane

I’m Jane, a second-year PPE student, Korean, born in the US and raised in London. What I love most about college life is the everyday chance to interact with people from all walks of life. Outside of my degree, I row with Oriel and am involved in the Asian Pacific Society, which has been a big part of my experience here. I enjoy good conversation and am always curious about other people’s experiences. I’m excited to connect with alumni during the campaign.

Mark

I joined Oriel in 2023 reading English and have taken part in the telethon each year. Being initially drawn to the college for its high standard of tutors, I have been lucky to get involved in sport and music. One of my favourite parts of the telethon is speaking to alumni and hearing how the college has changed across the years. We have this impression of Oxford as having been around as it is forever but I’m always surprised to hear how much it has changed year on year.

Poppy

My name is Poppy and I am currently a 2nd year undergraduate reading French and German. Alongside my studies, I have especially enjoyed getting involved with the Oriel College JCR in my role as Women’s Officer and the Oxford University Lacrosse Club as the Development Squad Secretary and Women’s 2nd Team Captain. I am passionate about making the most of all the wonderful opportunities Oriel has to offer and enjoy speaking with alumni about their experiences and continued connection to the college.

Richard

Hi, I’m Richard, a second-year studying Law and current JCR Vice-President. I wanted to take part in this year’s telethon to learn about the experiences of Oriel alumni at the College over the years, all the while hoping to raise money for an invaluable cause! Oriel holds a special place in my heart, as I am sure it does for so many, as a refuge from the trials and tribulations of the outside world, a place where I have been able to develop intellectually and socially.

Thomas

I am a 2nd year PPE student from Glasgow who is interested in politics. I enjoy rowing at Oriel and am also involved with the Stubbs Society. One of my favourite things about Oriel is how close knit we are (as well as how social!), and I love how centrally located the college is. I’m looking forward to speaking with alumni and contributing to the great environment that we have here!

Yolanda

I’m Yolanda, a 1st Year Undergraduate student studying English Language and Literature at Oriel College, Oxford. I spend most of my time reading and working on essays—I’m specifically interested in modernist literature—but when I’m not, you can find me at the gym or hanging out with my friends at the Oxford Union. I’m also passionate about business and entrepreneurship and I’m an active consultant at Oxford’s Capitox Consulting Group.