Oxford college set to get £35 million to complete North Oxford development

University College, Oxford (Univ) is one of Oxford University’s oldest colleges and the multi-million pound fund will see it complete a ‘state-of-the-art, sustainable, intergenerational education and living space’ at Univ North.

Univ North will be a second site for the college. The community will comprise of up to 150 en-suite study bedrooms, a nursery with outdoor space for up to 54 children, the existing Fairfield Residential Home, cafe, gym, study, meeting and lecture spaces. 

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The funding agreement was signed by David Frederick, US attorney and philanthropist, University College alumnus and Foundation Fellow, Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford, and Chancellor Pat Gallagher, University of Pittsburgh.

David Frederick, Valerie Amos, Sophie Lynn (Mr Frederick's wife) and Chancellor Pat Gallagher.

Mr Frederick said: ‘[My wife] and I are delighted to participate in an innovative philanthropic model that benefits two important institutions where I spent many happy years as a student.

“Our agreement will ensure modern, multi-purpose facilities for University College, Oxford at a second site (Univ North), where students can flourish and deepen their sense of community with the College and City of Oxford.

“The University of Pittsburgh Honors College also will derive substantial and enduring benefits from this arrangement. Our hope is that the project will enrich the educational experience in an inclusive way at both institutions for many decades to come.”

Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College, Oxford, said: “We are enormously grateful to David Frederick for his exceptional support and longstanding commitment to our College. Univ North will be transformational for Univ, enabling us to further realise our vision through our commitment to academic excellence, diversity and inclusion.”

David Frederick, Valerie Amos, Sophie Lynn (Mr Frederick's wife)

Chancellor Pat Gallagher, University of Pittsburgh, said, “David has filled life, personally and professionally, with moments of impact. Now, his name is inextricably linked to a College at the University of Pittsburgh that is devoted to doing the same.

‘Pitt Honors students are exceptionally gifted and eager to make a difference – just like David. I am grateful for both his and Sophie’s support, friendship and continued investment in our students, their academic careers, and their lifelong success.”

The money will help to complete the project as well as distribute a proportion of the income generated from the completed Univ North development to the University of Pittsburgh Honors College, where Mr Frederick completed his undergraduate degree.

This commitment is part of Univ’s 50-year plan to benefit the institutions, their staff, students, and Fellows, for the next century.

In addition, Mr Frederick has gifted a further $5 million to the Univ North project.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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