Record-breaking Giving Day raises over £150,000

A resounding THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Murray Edwards Giving Day 2025!

We are thrilled to share that our community raised over £150,000 to support the college. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of 333 donors, our students will have access to new academic spaces, resources, and essential financial support throughout their studies.

The Giving Day Funds

This Giving Day, we invited our community to support three funds: The Library Transformation Project, The Cambridge Bursary Scheme, and The College Priorities Fund.

Our students were moved by messages of support from our donors, especially those who shared their own stories about receiving financial support from college. Emma Bridle wrote: “I benefited from bursaries when I was a student, and I want to pay that opportunity forward to the current generation of ME women.”

Many of our alumnae expressed a similar wish to ‘give back’ and ensure that future students had access to the same support that enabled them to thrive at Cambridge University. An anonymous donor shared: “I always appreciated the support college provided for those who feel they don't naturally 'belong' at Cambridge, being female, from a state school, being the first in the family to go on to further education. I am pleased to contribute to that kind of support.”

The Giving Day sparked meaningful conversations about the barriers young women still face in higher education. By supporting Murray Edwards, our donors demonstrated their commitment to combatting such inequalities. One supporter reminded us that investing in just one student can have a global impact, writing: “Helping bright, capable young women to thrive, get a fantastic education and make a difference in the world matters. Social mobility is one of the most powerful ways to create a truly diverse world. I'm a product of that myself.” 

We received an overwhelming response to the Library Transformation Project, which will help us to maintain and improve this beloved college space for future generations. Many fond memories were shared, describing the Rosemary Murray Library as a place of safety, sanctuary and peace. Our students were especially excited to read a classic quip from alumna Sue Perkins, who admitted: “I love this library. I wish I’d spent some time there when I was a student :)”!

The Giving Day Activities

College was buzzing with activity throughout the Giving Day, as our students tackled themed challenges to unlock funding for the college. A 1000-piece jigsaw of the Rosemary Murray Library was a highlight of the day, bringing the entire college together for some unexpectedly spirited puzzle-solving. Group chats were mobilised, friends were flagged down, and our English students even diverted their DoS from a supervision to solve a particularly tricky corner section!

Throughout the Giving Day activities, our college showed what it truly means to be a community. Older students shared advice and funny memories with freshers as they wrote letters for our Memory Postbox. Fellows quietly guided students towards certain books on our Alumnae Authors stall, recognising the particular topic, voice, or idea that could spark something extraordinary within them.

This Giving Day has proved beyond all doubt that our college is more than just an academic institution. It is a lifelong network of support and encouragement that lifts its members up and celebrates the power of brilliant women.

“The college was my space of opportunity and safety nearly 60 years ago when I came up as an undergrad and I still feel that wonderful sense of ‘home’ all these years later when I visit as an alumna. Thank you.”

If you would like to learn more about the Giving Day, or make a gift to one of our funds, please visit our website here.