Donor stories

Donor stories

Discover why philanthropy matters and how it makes Cambridge better still. Hear from our donors about their philanthropic motivations and from those who have been supported by such gifts during their time at the University.

Legendary scholarship, ‘tough love’, and cocktails: Joyce Reynolds’s trailblazing life and unique and multifaceted legacy

Formidable, gifted, and just as passionate about her own work as her students’ learning and success, Joyce Reynolds was, and remains, an inspiration. Warm and admiring anecdotes about her abound — and one thing is clear: no one whose life was touched by Joyce will ever forget her. Now, her spirit and commitment will continue to support future generations thanks not only to her own legacy giving, but to the giving she inspired in others.

Blending Chemistry, Cooking and Children’s Health: An audience with Bonnie Garmus

In a special event to raise money for the ground-breaking new Cambridge Children's Hospital (CCH), author of global sensation Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Garmus took to the stage to discuss her bestselling debut novel with the hospital’s campaign board co-chair, Dame Mary Archer.

‘Born at the Right Time’: Maths, music, museums and a legacy from Margaret Marrs

After a long and rich life in tune with both numbers and notes, computing trailblazer Margaret Marrs leaves a bequest as well-rounded as she was.

Inclusion, innovation... and cocktail curation

Meet alumnus Jason Mellad — a scientist entrepreneur and longstanding supporter of Get In, which helps talented students from under-represented ethnic minority communities to study at Cambridge.

Leaving a Legacy: Professor John Otto Kessler

Thanks to his bequest to Cambridge in America for Clare Hall, future scholars will have the opportunity to explore Cambridge in the curious, tinkering, and enthusiastic spirit of Professor John Kessler.

Bill Gates: "Of all our foundation’s grants, this was my dad’s favourite"

I couldn’t be prouder of the difference Gates Cambridge scholars are making, and the leaders they have become.

"Where we're going, together"

Volunteer Siobhan Cassidy (Homerton 1994) reflects on giving back, organising the 2021 Boat Race and the power of sport.

Eashwar Krishnan on supporting PhD students from around the world

University volunteer and philanthropist Eashwar Krishnan’s (Trinity 1996) time at Cambridge was supported with a Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund scholarship. Today, he supports postgraduate students “trying to give back and replicate the structure of incredible generosity” shown to him.

Christina Dawson

Christina Dawson on philanthropy, expanding educational access, and the Cambridge Foundation Year

Philanthropists Christina and Peter Dawson have been long-term supporters of St Catharine’s College, Selwyn College, and the University of Cambridge. They are based in California. Christina spoke with us about what motivates her to give back and how philanthropy can help disadvantaged students fulfill their potential.

Tzo Tze Ang — "The opportunity to come to a world-class institution — it's really life-changing."

University volunteer and philanthropist Tzo Tze Ang (Trinity 1997) is passionate about the contribution Cambridge can make to society and the power of philanthropy to help facilitate world-changing research.

Allison Goodwin – “We all benefit from the generosity of earlier generations”

Allison Goodwin (Clare 1985), tells us why leaving a bequest to her College will help in the same way she and others have benefited from earlier generations support.

“Why leaving a bequest to Cambridge matters to me”

Udayan (Udi) Chattopadhyay (Sidney Sussex 1992), explains why you should consider making a bequest and how he remains connected to Cambridge

Pterodactyls and Socrates

Martin MacConnol (Magdalene 1987), a member of the University’s Alumni Advisory Board, and Chair of its Communications Working Group, explains why he became a volunteer for the University.

The impact of volunteering — Margaret Campbell

We spoke to Margaret Campbell (Newnham 1966) about her passion for volunteering and on chairing the University's Alumni Advisory Board.

Dr Patricia Turner

Dr Patricia Turner — “I believe that conserving biodiversity is not a luxury but a survival imperative.”

Composite image of Iain Drayton and the videos on a smartphone

Why I’m backing Black access campaign Get in Cambridge

Trinity Hall alumnus and Goldman Sachs partner Iain Drayton explains why he’s funding a social media campaign to encourage more Black and ethnic minority students to apply

Find out more Give now

Harry's home — leaving a legacy that matters

For decades, Harry Desai’s home has been haven for young people from all over the world. A bequest to Cambridge will ensure that his London flat will provide security for students for generations to come.

Gifford Combs is shown at his admittance to the Guild of Benefactors

An interview with Gifford Combs

Ask Gifford Combs, MPhil (Queens’ 1983), what type of projects he likes to support philanthropically and he will use an interesting word: “orphans”.

The Dawsons in front of the Senate House

Making a difference: Peter and Christina Dawson

When Peter and Christina Dawson endowed the Jean Thomas PhD Award at St Catharine’s College they made a permanent and profound contribution to the lives of countless young scholars.

Sir James Dyson

An interview with Sir James Dyson

Sir James Dyson tells us what inspired him to give to Cambridge and why the world needs engineers.

Explore more stories about the impact of giving to Cambridge.