Lake and the development of its living edge. This focal point of College life

1. MILDERT MESSENGER • Van Mildert College Newsletter – End of Easter Term 2012 Summary • CHAIR OF COLLEGE COUNCIL • Prof. Brian Tanner • It was something of a surprise to be reminded, a few weeks ago, that my second term as Chair of College Council would end this summer. The six years have gone very quickly. I am pleased to say that the College Council has adapted very well to its new remit and Standing Orders; the last two meetings were respectively devoted in large part to discussion of long term strategy for development of our postgraduate research community and plans for the college 50th anniversary celebrations. The opportunities for college development around “1965-2015: 50 years of Van Mildert” are huge and I hope that very many college members will be able to contribute in a wide variety of ways. I step down from the College Council Chair at a very exciting time for Mildert and I am looking forward, as its first Fellow, to helping the anniversary be a huge success. The award of Fellowship was totally unexpected and is a great honour. In thanks, I will try and live up to its challenge. Lake and the development of its living edge. This focal point of College life will continue as a recreational facility but will have added value as a scientific resource for the investigation of freshwater ecosystems and perhaps even monitoring the effects of local pollution. As I write negotiations are advanced to site a special sculpture in the middle of the Lake adding a cultural dimension to this unique facility. Finally I am delighted to announce that at the Principal’s Formal on the 7th June, Professor Brian Tanner was elected the first Fellow of Van Mildert College, in recognition of his exceptional cultural, scholarly and social contributions to the College. Brian is one Durham’s leading academics, a former Head of Physics and currently Dean of Knowledge Transfer; he is a recent recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion. His contributions to College have been substantial as a former tutor, past President of the SCR and more recently Chair of College Council. But Brian was not alone on the stage. The JCR recognised key members of our student cohort, who have made outstanding contributions to College life. And I was in the happy position to thank my Bursar and her catering, domestic and operations staff, my tutors and chaplain for their strong support throughout the year. It was a particular pleasure to thank the JCR President Patrick McConnell for his partnership throughout the year and Martin Brader and the MCR for their growing input to College life. The SCR is too on the move and it was a pleasure to acknowledge Vicky Ridley and her team for some great events during the year. Finally my secretary in many ways holds the office and certainly this newsletter together; many thanks Sharon. We have all achieved much this year together and I’m sure next year will be even better. • PRINCIPAL • Prof. Dave • Harper • As the Easter term draws to a close with a week of congregations in the unique setting of Durham cathedral rapidly approaching under the watchful eye of our new Chancellor Sir Thomas Allen, we will be hosting three congregation dinners for some 400 participants to recognize the contributions of our finalists, some 250 of them, to the College community. In many ways it has been an exceptional year; we are the second top College for the numbers of first and upper second class honours degrees. Our 35 clubs and committees have made their mark within the College and across the university as a whole. There have been more events than ever before, and our five outreach projects have significantly impacted on both the city and the county, emphasising once again the College motto, sic vos non vobisi.e.,thus you do, not for yourselves. Some 150 members of our college community attended the three summer receptions in the Principal’s House hosted by myself and Maureen, when we thanked both colleagues and students for their contributions during the current academic year. Despite the variable weather some time was spent on the terrace enjoying the unique ambience of our part of the hill. • Improvements to the buildings and grounds are proceeding albeit at a measured pace. The much-needed renovation of Wear Block is on schedule and substantial funding has been secured for the dredging of the

2. MILDERT MESSENGER • Van Mildert College Newsletter – End of Easter Term 2012 Summary • MCR PRESIDENT • Mr. Martin Brader • This term, the MCR hosted a well attended Inter MCR Formal Dinner, where £450 was raised for Moving On, a local charity tackling youth homelessness in County Durham.  We have also continued with our series of Speaking Events, hearing from Eric Baumgartner about his research on youth justice.  We are soon approaching a busy time for many postgraduates who are beginning to write their theses over the summer and have various events planned over the undergraduate vacation period. • SCR PRESIDENT • Miss Vicky Ridley • The SCR has enjoyed an active term of events, from wine tasting to formal dinners and talks from leading Durham academics. Still to come, is a Summer Evening Reception, which will be held in the idyllic gardens of Crook Hall on Monday 9th July. All SCR members, Van Mildert alumni and friends of the College are warmly invited to attend. More information about this event is available on the SCR website at www.dur.ac.uk/vm.scr Please do get in touch if you have any questions or ideas for new events and activities for the SCR. • VAN MILDERT TRUST • Many of you may not be aware that we have a College Trust. The Van Mildert College Trust was founded in 2008 with the aim of promoting the academic, cultural, social and material welfare of Van Mildert College. High on the agenda is support for our Postgraduate Research Scholarships although the Trust has funded other activities such as refurbishment of our famous Bechstein grand piano. Lean times have been affecting many trusts and VMT is no exception. We hope, however, donations will pick up we can begin to plan for the Van Mildert College 50th Appeal in early 2013. LIBRARIAN Dr. Sue Trees Art at Mildert Van Mildert College is certainly on the map as an exhibition space for local artists and some wonderful art installations. This term the Lakeside Room has housed works by Allan Archibald that included paintings, collages and etchings that reflected Allan’s life and home in Weardale. The event has been very successful and the work has attracted not only the College community but members of the public too. The exhibition will remain in situ until September. We have also been the very fortunate recipients of Henry Dyson’s continued vision and generosity. Henry has installed a series of magnificent paintings by, amongst others, Miro, Chagall and the internationally acclaimed artist Sir Terry Frost (see image below). The pictures are displayed along the main corridor towards the Bursar’s office and on the stairs that lead down to the JCR foyer. We at Van Mildert College – that’s staff and students - are supporting this charity that supplies emergency food to local people in crisis. Whenever you can, just pop a non-perishable, in-date food item into the collection box outside the Library office. The items are then taken to the distribution centre on North Road and then packed into boxes ready to be given to people in need. Further information can be obtained from Sue Trees, s.j.trees@durham.ac.uk. THANK YOU!

3. ! • MILDERT MESSENGER • Van Mildert College Newsletter – End of Easter Term 2012 Summary ENVIRONMENT Mr. Ian Jackson Environment Champion First and fore most, can I thank David Hynes and his committee for all their hard work and support this year. THANK YOU. As a summary and up date as to what we have been doing this term regarding environmental matters and some of the rewards your contribution has brought. University recycling figures, 2nd most improved and 3rd overall in the University, the college received £100 to spend on any items relating to Green issues. “Green Shots Anyone”. We were also successful in two of our bids for University funding for energy saving ideas. We were awarded funding to buy “Clever Eggs” and radiator reflectors for Tyne & Tees these should keep the chill out this coming winter while still saving energy cost. Warm students, Energy saving College, What a “Win Win” that is. Our energy figures Electrical, Water & Gas all saw big reductions toward the end of term with all meeting and electrical readings exceeding our 7.5% reduction target. A big well done and thank you all for your efforts this term. Running out of space, I would just like to tell you to look out for all the exciting plans and project that will have been completed ready for your return after the summer break, Its exciting stuff- Solar Power, Insulation, energy efficient heating and all new Wear block packed full of energy saving ideas. MILDERT CLASSIFIEDS… *1ST YEARS* CONTINUE WITH YOUR COLLEGE MENTOR 2012-13? DON’T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR ‘CONTINUE WITH YOUR COLLEGE MENTOR’ FORM (SENT TO YOUR DURHAM EMAIL ADDRESS) AND RETURN TO COLLEGE OFFICE URGENTLY. Thank you! *STUDENTS* LIVING OUT 2012-13? DON’T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR LIVERS’ OUT FORM (SENT TO YOUR DURHAM EMAIL ADDRESS) AND RETURN TO COLLEGE OFFICE URGENTLY. Thank you! Anniversary 2015: Watch this Space In preparation for this momentous year we will be asking our alumni for any relevant archival material they may have that may illuminate further the history of our great College. In the next issue of the Messenger we will be placing a call for specific types of material you may have in your attic or indeed elsewhere. This is just to flag up, you are all on our radar. WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL TO VAN MILDERT COLLEGE TRUST? To enquire about leaving a gift in your will to Van Mildert College please contact Legacy/Gift Enquiries: Ms. Louise McLaren, Legacies Officer, Development & Alumni Relations Office Telephone:  0191 334 6313 Email:  louise.mclaren@durham.ac.uk Newsletter created and edited by Sharon Swainston, College Secretary