In 24 Congregation ceremonies over two weeks, we celebrated the success of both undergraduate and postgraduate students across all four of our faculties and all 17 of our colleges. They were successful in 37 different subjects within 27 academic departments.

• Read more about Summer Congregation

• Read more about our Honorary Graduates 

Eleven student sports clubs have achieved an all-time record for Durham by winning thirteen British Universities and Colleges Sport National Championships this season.

We’ve been ranked joint 36th (up from joint 77th in 2023) among the world’s top universities for addressing the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges facing society today.

Congratulations to alumna Lauren Irwin (Team GB rowing), and alumni Tess Howard, Ollie Payne, Jack Waller, and graduating student Fiona Crackles (Team GB hockey) who will represent Durham at the 2024 Paris Olympics: 

• Read more about Lauren’s selection
• Read more about the hockey selections 

This summer, the Chapel Choir of University College (known as Castle Chapel Choir) will be embarking on a tour spanning the UK and Italy, including St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. 

Alumna Mathilde Brun (Music, University College, 2019-22) took to the stage to perform the operatic ‘Rusalka’s Song to the Moon’ by Antonin Dvořák. 

Our appeal to support students during the cost of living crisis is currently underway. It focuses on helping students realise their full potential by making the most of their university experience.

We’re proud of the achievements of our alumni. Read on for this month’s round-up.

Dr James (Jim) Barker (PhD in Chemistry, Graduate Society, 1981-85) 

Dr Mark Bellis (PhD in Music, University College, 1976-79) 

Jonathan (Jonny) Campbell (French and German, Van Mildert College, 1986-90) 

Annalissa Firth MP née Garrett (Law, St John’s College, 1985-88) 

Dr Helen Frisby (Theology, St Mary’s College, 1997-2000) 

Canon David Gibbons (Classics, University College, 1976-79) 

Kevin Hawes (Physics, University College, 1977-80) and Caroline Hawes (Ancient History and Archaeology, Grey College, 2014-17)

Katie Lumsden (English and History, Josephine Butler College, 2011-14) 

Simon Mold (English Language and Medieval Literature, 1976-79, PGCE in Education, 1979-80, University College) 

Chris Pearson (Mathematics, University College, 1990-93) 

John Travers (MSci in Mathematics and Physics, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1999-2003) 

James Vincent (English Language and Linguistics, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1999-2002) 

Dougal Wilson (Natural Sciences, University College, 1989-92) 

Professor Stuart Wilson (BSc in Zoology, 1975-78; PhD in Zoology, 1978-83, Van Mildert College; DSc, 2012)

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Hundreds of Durham staff and student volunteers were acknowledged at the Durham University Volunteering and Outreach Awards 2024. Twenty-four winners were announced.

To celebrate St Mary’s 125th Anniversary, we’re asking for alumni contributions to create a book entitled 125 Objects and Memories of St Mary’s.

Follow the journey of the Norman Chapel’s restoration project through the new ‘Repair and Care’ exhibition in the Castle’s Tunstall Gallery curated by our MA students.  

A St Chad’s music outreach project with local school children culminated in an unforgettable performance of ‘Captain Noah’ in Durham’s Gala Theatre in May. 

Jeremiah Thoronka (MSc in Sustainability, Energy and Development, University College, 2021-22) has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Africa. 

Dr Magdalena Zira, IAS Fellow, will direct Euripides’ play The Phoenician Women with the Cyprus Theatre Organisation in ancient and modern theatres throughout Cyprus this July.

The fourth international Judicial Roundtable at the end of April 2024 saw judges and leading policymakers from around the world come to Durham to advance thought leadership.