Donor Recognition

Keble College was established through philanthropy, and the continued support of our alumni and friends plays an increasingly vital role in securing a sustainable and thriving future for the College.

Over the past 15 years, the number of donors giving £10,000 or more has grown by 271 — from just 95 in 2010 to 366 this year — a remarkable testament to the enduring strength of our community’s support.

These contributions enable us to undertake initiatives that would not otherwise be possible, enhancing the experience of current students and ensuring we remain able to offer a world-class education to future generations.

Recognition Levels

We believe it is important to recognise the generosity of our alumni and friends, and express our gratitude.

Our major donors are recognised at various levels based on their cumulative contributions, including Gift Aid. These levels reflect our deep gratitude for the transformative impact such generosity has on the life of the College.

In order to be able to offer appropriate stewardship to all our major donors, this year we are introducing a couple of new thresholds:

The Waddington Shirley Circle

For donors whose cumulative giving is £25,000. Named in honour of Walter Waddington Shirley, who played a part in the founding of Keble as well as being an early advocate of the university extension movement, which sought to increase educational opportunities for a broader section of society.

The Lavinia Lyttleton Circle

For donors whose cumulative giving is £50,000+. Named in honour of Lavinia Lyttelton (later Lavinia Talbot), wife of Keble’s first Warden and a strong promoter of women’s education.

Butterfield Fellowship

For donors whose cumulative giving is £1,000,000+. The highest honour the College bestows to its donors, this Fellowship by Special Election is named in honour of William Butterfield, Keble’s original architect.

You can find out more about the Recognition Levels here.

The Talbot Society

The Talbot Society was established to recognise individuals who support the College through regular giving, as well as to celebrate the collective impact this generosity has on Keble’s future. Every gift strengthens our community and helps ensure that current and future students can thrive.

Along with an invitation to the annual Talbot Society Lecture in London, to thank members, we have created a system of recognition to mark milestones in your ongoing support:

  • Joining the Society When you sign up for a regular gift of at least £60 pa, or £5 pm, you will receive a red brick pin and the iconic Keble red brick

  • Five Years of Giving When you complete 5 years of regular giving, you will receive a blue brick pin and the desirable Keble blue brick

  • Ten Years of Giving When you complete 10 years of regular giving, you become a Keble Dinosaur and receive a coveted golden dinosaur pin — a playful but proud symbol of your enduring support and the lasting impact you’ve made.

If you are interested in setting up a regular gift and joining the Talbot Society, please contact the Head of Operations and Annual Giving, Philip Clarke, or make a donation online.

Naming your College Room

In the course of Keble’s history, some student rooms have welcomed over 150 occupants, mercifully not all at once. From the Victorian quads to The H B Allen Centre, each of the College’s 550 rooms has quietly borne witness to generations of student life.

Launched in the lead-up to our 150th anniversary, the Name Your Room initiative has become a powerful way for Keble alumni to leave a lasting mark. Since 2017, more than 300 alumni have taken part, together building a living record of Keble students, room by room, name by name.

Each sponsored room tells a story of friendships formed, milestones celebrated and years that shaped lives. The growing collection not only honours individual memories but also strengthens the bond across generations of Keble students.

Whether you are commemorating your own time at Keble, remembering a friend or simply choosing to remain connected, sponsoring your room is more than a gesture. It is a meaningful contribution to a shared legacy that will endure for years to come. We’re pleased to invite all donors to share a personal message on our Donor Wall to commemorate each gift.

If you are interested in sponsoring your own room, please contact Matthew Rogers, Alumni and Development Intern, or visit Name your Room.