Oriel Celebrates 40 Years of Women

‘Celebrating 40 Years of Women at Oriel’ was a day full of inspiring workshops, a plenary session featuring alumnae from each decade, an archival exhibition in Hall, a photographic exhibition, and an evening of celebration with a formal dinner in the Senior Library followed by an 80s BOP.

Reflecting on her time at Oriel, Ellie Greaves (2018) said: “When I was a student Oriel felt like home because we felt like a community. Oriel helped me get through life as a student and now, every time I come back for alumni events, it feels like coming home and I get to experience that feeling again before I go back to reality.”

The morning workshops explored themes ranging from women in traditionally male-dominated industries, to health and wellbeing, and the history of women at Oriel. Olivia Elder, Fellow and Tutor in Ancient History, gave a two-part talk on ‘The Ancient History of Women at Oriel’. Drawing on her research into ancient Rome, she highlighted the importance of reading between the lines of historical text to uncover the hidden roles of women. Using the same approach, she traced women’s influence on Oriel’s early history, from Eleanor of Castile (the College’s first female benefactor) to the essential but often unrecognised contributions of female staff. Elder’s talk revealed the College’s long-standing association with women, long before the arrival of its first female students in 1985.

The plenary session ‘Experiences of Oriel Women’ welcomed back Moira Wallace CBE, Oriel’s first female Provost (2013–2018), who chaired a panel of alumnae representing each decade since women’s admission. The discussion explored the experiences of each of the panellists and how Oriel has contributed to a resilience, sense of belonging, and deep affection that continues to shape their lives.

The afternoon workshops continued the theme, with discussions on women in male-dominated professions, health, wellbeing, and a forward-looking session on envisioning the next decade for women at Oriel. ‘Planet Oriel 2035’, an interactive workshop facilitated by Fiona Lovatt (1991) of the Oriel Women’s Network, invited participants to imagine the next decade for women at Oriel. Attendees shared hopes for change, ideas for new initiatives, and aspirations for future generations of students.

The evening celebrations began with Evensong and a chapel service led by The Rt Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, followed by dinner in the Senior Library. The venue evoked fond memories for many alumnae. “The Senior Library feels very different,” said Lucy Inskip (2016), “When I was a student, this library was so cold that studying here felt like risking frostbite. I always came prepared with a blanket! It is a lovely change to be able to sit in this space and feel warm and cosy.”

Nostalgia ran high as the evening ended with an 80s BOP in honour of the first cohort of women at Oriel, sparking laughter, dancing, and yet more memories.