On September 14th, St Mary’s College Society (SMCS) hosted their AGM during the reunion weekend.
Over the weekend, a couple of important announcements were made. The Society's name changed with immediate effect, and a new president was appointed.
St Mary’s College Society (SMCS) to St Mary’s Alumni Society (SMAS)
The first students of the Women’s Hostel graduated in 1902. At that time, the Old Students’ Society was already in existence. The first General Hostel Meeting, now known as AGM, was held in 1904. It was decided to amalgamate the Old Students’ Society with the General Hostel Meeting, becoming the St Mary’s College Old Students’ Society.
This society's name changed to St Mary’s College Society in February 1920 which was chosen by the Committee of the Hostel Society. Then principal, Rachel Donaldson reported the College’s change of name and status at the May AGM.
At the 2024 AGM, the committee agreed that the current name was not clear and that the Society’s work was aimed at engaging alumni with College. After a vote, the committee decided to change its name to St Mary’s Alumni Society (SMAS).
A New President
Dr Sandra Ward was appointed President in 2021. After 3 years, she decided to step down from her role but is to remain an active member of the committee, as Vice-President.
The committee elected Jessica Giles, who studied Law at St Mary’s Durham University from 1984-1987. Jessica said:
“I am delighted to be taking up the role of president of St Mary’s Alumni Society. Conscious of the marvellous tradition that has been established by previous presidents and acting presidents I aim to collaborate with the SMAS committee to continue to bring you the lecture series and St Mary’s Alumni annual reunion. I am excited to start making plans to engage with St Mary’s Alumni and spread the word of the society.”
Gifts from the Society
Over the years, St Mary’s Alumni Society have generously donated gifts including the high table furniture in 1952, contributed to the chapels’ new pews in 1966 and more recently, an oak wallboard to mark St Mary’s 125th anniversary.
As well as these gifts, the society has worked closely with the Senior Common Rooms lecture series and the learning resources fund where students can apply for books and so on to help their studies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the society helped students with funding to go towards laptops.
The future
The new President, Jessica Giles, has many plans to secure the future of the society and generate a healthy income, that in turn, can help St Mary’s students. Further announcements and event plans will be revealed soon.
If you have any ideas you’d like to share, questions or are interested in joining the society please email stmarys.alumni@durham.ac.uk
“The Old Students are part of the history of the College and we cannot afford to be without one link in our history.”Principal Rachel Donaldson 1927
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