The annual Women’s Dinner on 28 April, organised by the JCR Women’s Officer Eva Hogan (2021, English), was an opportunity for Oriel to celebrate women in our community, with a theme of ‘Diversity’.
Under Second Quad’s bunting, the pre-dinner drinks reception was a convivial affair with alumnae, guests and current students comparing Oriel anecdotes. Oriel’s Butler, Asefay Aberaha, joined in with the festivities and gave Eva the honour of ringing the dinner gong.
Hosted by Lady Mendoza, the dinner was a huge success. Thanks go to our alumni speaker, Kate Underhill (2002, MPhys Physics), who spoke on her career as a rocket scientist and lessons learned, including being comfortable and confident being different and sometimes the only woman in the room. She also spoke of the importance of space exploration going forward. This was followed by a speech by Phoebe Winter (2021, Ancient and Modern History), outgoing JCR President, who spoke about her term and thanked inspirational women around College.
The evening finished with a surprise performance by Green Bean Machine band in First Quad and much dancing.