A Final Formal Hall Dinner for the Class of 2023, and the Reveal of a New College Video!

On Thursday April 20, Morningside’s Deans, Fellows, staff, and students got together for a final Formal Hall dinner of the term, where they celebrated the outgoing Class of 2023. The families of a few graduating students were present as well, and were received at a reception in the college café before dinner. Attendees were welcomed to the dinner by Master of Ceremonies and Year 3 LLB student Jason Cheung. Jason then invited College Master Nick Rawlins to deliver the opening address. Professor Rawlins welcomed the parents and spoke about how families witness their children go through rapid changes in these undergraduate years, when students go from being schoolchildren to young adults. As is a shared goal of parents and universities, these young adults are equipped with an education that enables them “to find good paths whatever the changes in the world in which you will live”. Professor Rawlins also explained how philanthropy was foundational to Morningside and is important for the college’s continued success; he took this opportunity to reveal the Student Support Fund, that should enable every Morningsider to have the same communal experience and participation regardless of their personal means. With this parting announcement, he cast an eye forward to the Graduation Ceremony in November, and told the soon-to-be graduates and their families that he looks forward to seeing them there.

An hour into the dinner, the College’s Advancement Manager Venice Fong revealed the new College video, titled ‘Morningside: More Than Just a College’. Students cheered when they saw their friends on the big screen. It is broadly targeted at anybody interested in learning about the college, including prospective students, staff, fellows, or supporters and friends of the college. The video set a motivational tone for the college’s post-pandemic future, and reminded everyone present of the camaraderie that has been nurtured here.