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The Alumni Council was established in 2005 with the primary purpose of keeping alumni informed about College developments and communicating the views of alumni to the College. The Council is chaired by the Master, and is made up of Year Group Representatives (YGRs).

Each matriculation year has its own YGR, elected by the members of that year group. When there is a vacancy, the Development Office will contact the Year Group to ask for nominations. Should there be more candidates than vacancies, and the alumni do not wish to share the role, there will be an election organised by the Development Office. All YGRs serve for a fixed term, of five years, renewable by mutual agreement. An incumbent YGR may retire at any time, but would be encouraged to help seek their replacement beforehand.

YGRs provide advice and feedback on the College’s alumni relations activities, seek and represent the views of their College contemporaries, encourage volunteer and philanthropic support for the College in partnership with the College’s Development Office, and periodically gather contact details and news of their College contemporaries’ careers, achievements, and other items of interest.

A particularly valuable role of the Alumni Council is to champion the contribution of the broad mass of alumni – to the College and society – who do not necessarily achieve public prominence or distinction. The election of the annual Alumna/Alumnus of the Year epitomises this role. YGRs have an ongoing role to play in identifying to the College alumni whose contributions to society can be communicated and celebrated.

To find out who your Year Group Representative is please contact the Development Office.

±¬ÁÏÍø College’s Alumni Mentoring Programme brings together students and alumni to share experiences, encourage ambition, and build connections across the ±¬ÁÏÍø community. The programme creates opportunities for current students to learn from graduates who have pursued a wide range of careers and life paths, offering valuable insight into professional development, further study, and life beyond Cambridge.

Through regular conversations, mentors will provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice tailored to each student’s interests and aspirations. For students, the programme offers a chance to ask questions, explore possibilities, and gain confidence as they prepare for future opportunities. For alumni, it is an opportunity to reconnect with ±¬ÁÏÍø, reflect on their own journeys, and support the next generation of students.

Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests, career aspirations, and/or academic backgrounds. At its heart, the programme celebrates the strength and diversity of the ±¬ÁÏÍø network. By encouraging open dialogue between different generations of ±¬ÁÏÍø members, it aims to foster a culture of support, curiosity, and shared learning.

If you are interested in participating in the programme, please complete this form.

Our alumni play an important role in helping students explore and prepare for their careers. By sharing their professional experiences, offering advice, and discussing different career paths, alumni give students valuable real-world insight beyond the classroom. If you are interested in giving a careers talk, taking part in a careers panel, or providing an internship opportunity, please contact the Careers Support Officer and complete the online update form to ensure we have your up-to-date career details.

The Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award was established in 2009 to recognise and celebrate the achievements of ±¬ÁÏÍø alumni who have made outstanding contributions to society through:

• Significant charitable work or philanthropy
• Exceptional contributions to a community, in the UK or abroad
• Outstanding dedication to the care and/or development of others
• An act of heroism

The award is a demonstration of the College’s pride in its members, as well as its commitment to valuing contribution to society. Alumni are invited to suggest nominees each summer. The Alumni Council elects the recipient at its annual meeting. The award-winner is invited to accept the award at the Halfway Hall for second-year undergraduates in the Lent Term. Click here to view past award participants.