Exeter House formally opened by Rector and generous benefactor

The College was delighted to formally open its redeveloped Exeter House site on Iffley Road last week, and to welcome special guests Mark Houghton-Berry (1976, Literae Humaniores) and his wife Meganne, whose generosity helped make the redevelopment work possible.

To honour their philanthropy, the Pavilion through which people will enter the new Exeter House site has been named the Mark Houghton-Berry Pavilion.

The redeveloped and expanded Exeter House site will provide accommodation for 106 graduate students (more than double the number who could be accommodated on the old site), mostly in en-suite rooms grouped into small apartments. Not only will this create a more “collegiate” home for our graduate students, but the site’s green credentials also mean it will be leading the way in environmentally-friendly University accommodation.

The Rector was pleased to welcome Mr and Mrs Houghton-Berry, their sons and Mr Houghton-Berry’s parents to the opening ceremony on 8 October, which was also attended by Fellows, staff and graduate students. Professor Gregory Hutchinson, Fellow in Classics, delivered an Encomium in Latin in tribute to Mark, and Barbara Havelkova (2008, Law), Warden of Exeter House, gave a speech.

Mr Houghton-Berry unveiled the foundation stone placed on the outside of the Pavilion, which commemorates his generosity, and was presented with the letter-box from one of the old Iffley-Road buildings as a memento of the occasion. A drinks reception followed the ceremony, before Mr Houghton-Berry and his guests returned to Exeter with the Rector for a private dinner in the Benefactors’ Gallery (which was also refurbished due to the generosity of Mr and Mrs Houghton-Berry).

Mr Houghton-Berry’s philanthropy was also recognised recently by the University, which appointed him to the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors – the highest level of recognition for a benefactor.

Photo by Rob Judges