College of Benefactors 2024

In acknowledgment of the importance of philanthropy, the University of Exeter invites its most generous donors to become members of the prestigious College of Benefactors. Induction into the College is the highest honour that the University can bestow upon its donors. Established in 2006, membership of the College gives public recognition to the University’s greatest benefactors.

For more members of the University's College of Benefactors see the Alumni and Supporters website.

Roger de Freitas (Politics, 1971)

Friday 26 July 2024 2:00pm

We are delighted to welcome Roger de Freitas, a dedicated philanthropist and conservationist, to the University of Exeter College of Benefactors. Roger graduated in Politics in 1971 and has generously supported the University’s marine research community, amplifying the global reach and impact of our research, beginning with funding a Postdoctoral studentship in Ecology and Conservation in 2015.

Since then, Roger has supported PhD studentships looking at the ecological impact of marine pollution and microplastic debris in water systems worldwide, and further scholarships for Masters’ students within the European Centre for Environment and Human Health. Roger’s ongoing support and participation in the marine community continues to assist a growing Exeter student body to drive innovation, foster collaboration and deliver impact in some of the biggest global challenges we face.

Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation

Oppenheimer Generations Research Conservation logo

Thursday 12 December 2024 9:00am

We are delighted to welcome Dr Duncan MacFadyen, Head of Research and Conservation and Rendani Nenguda, Senior Research Associate from Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation to the University of Exeter’s College of Benefactors. In 2021 Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation made a transformative philanthropic gift to support the creation of the Oppenheimer Programme in African Landscape Systems (OPALS), initially a six-year programme of applied scientific research to investigate land management and ecosystem resilience in Africa. The programme is translating scientific tools and insight to support real-world impact across the continent. A key focus is to build capacity by empowering African researchers and strengthening collaborative networks. The OPALS Scholars are co-producing science-based solutions to understand, mitigate, and adapt to environmental change.