St Catherine's College, Oxford

St Catherine's College
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Motto	Nova et Vetera (The new and the old)
Established	1962
Type	Constituent College of the University of Oxford
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Website

St Catherine's College, commonly referred to as "St Catz," is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. It is distinguished by its modern architectural design and is one of the newer colleges within the university, having been founded in 1962 by the historian Alan Bullock, who became the first Master of the college. St Catherine's College stands out for its commitment to a modern ethos, contrasting with the more traditional character of many other Oxford colleges.

History

The origins of St Catherine's College trace back to the Delegacy of Non-Collegiate Students, a scheme established in 1868 to offer students from less affluent backgrounds the opportunity to study at Oxford without the costs associated with college membership. Over time, this delegation evolved into St Catherine's Society, which functioned as a de facto college but without the associated buildings.

In 1960, the society was granted a royal charter, and the construction of the college began. The college was designed by the renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, and its buildings were completed in 1964. The design is noted for its use of clean lines and minimalistic style, which marked a significant departure from the traditional architecture of Oxford.

Architecture

St Catherine's College is renowned for its architectural significance. Arne Jacobsen was responsible not only for the architecture but also for the design of the furniture and even the cutlery used in the dining hall. The main buildings are arranged around a central quadrangle, with residential buildings, the dining hall, and the library framing this central space. The use of glass extensively in the façade allows for a considerable amount of natural light, a feature that was innovative at the time of construction.

Academic Profile

St Catherine's College offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, reflecting the comprehensive academic structure of the University of Oxford. The college is known for its strengths in Economics, Law, and Mathematics, among other disciplines. It has a vibrant academic community with a strong emphasis on research and scholarship.

Student Life

Student life at St Catherine's is rich and varied. The college has active sports teams, music societies, and a drama society. The St Catherine's College Boat Club is particularly notable, having competed successfully in Oxford's intercollegiate rowing competitions. The college also hosts various guest lectures and cultural events throughout the academic year, contributing to a dynamic campus environment.

Notable Alumni

St Catherine's College has produced a number of notable alumni, including:

• John Vane – Nobel Prize-winning pharmacologist
• Peter Mandelson – British politician and key architect of New Labour
• Benazir Bhutto – Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

See Also

• List of colleges of the University of Oxford
• Education in the United Kingdom
• Oxford University Press