A new court for student accommodation at Churchill College is to be named Cowan Court in honour of alumnus and Benefactor Fellow, Michael Cowan.
Michael Cowan (UG 70 Engineering) is the CEO, President and Director of Silchester International Investors LLP. Michael has been on the Churchill College Investment Advisory Committee for more than 15 years and he is also currently Chair of the College’s Development Board.
Cowan Court will provide on-campus accommodation for 68 more Churchill students, including 3 rooms specifically designed for disabled students.
Speaking at this year’s Graduands Dinner, Michael Cowan emphasised the importance of being able to provide on-site accommodation to all students. Reflecting on his own time at Churchill he said:
“As an undergraduate I was only concerned with good teaching, thinking and researching, helpful tutorials, non-academic activities and being able to live in College all three years.”
With the growth of Cambridge in the technology and healthcare sectors along with an expanding student and postdoctoral population, affordable housing is an increasing challenge in Cambridge. Providing accommodation for all Churchill students is critical to the College’s success as an academic and social community and vital to it continuing to attract the very best students.
Churchill College’s Master, Professor Dame Athene Donald said:
“I am extremely grateful to all alumni, but particularly to Michael Cowan, for their generosity in enabling the College to take on this ambitious project of a new Court. Naming the building Cowan Court reflects our heartfelt gratitude to Michael as the major donor. The ability to house even more of our students on the main site is hugely important in creating an atmosphere that promotes collegiality as well as facilitating the students in their studies.”
Projects such as the new accommodation court would not have been possible without generous donations from Churchill alumni, who play an important role in keeping Churchill College a world class educational institution. Speaking to this year’s graduands as they join a vast and notable global community of Churchill alumni, Mr Cowan said:
“We will need all the help and encouragement that we can get — so I have just one ask of you today — as you go out into the World, please keep in touch.”
Construction of Cowan Court began in April and is expected to be completed by July 2016.
Building the Future: 50th Anniversary Appeal
The New Court building project forms part of the College’s 50th Anniversary fundraising appeal, which has so far raised more than £5 million towards the cost of this project. The College is continuing to fundraise for this project.
