College court officially named Dawson Court

The Governing Body of St Catharine’s is delighted to officially name one of the College’s courts in recognition of the extraordinary support shown by two Honorary Fellows: Peter (1974, Natural Sciences; Honorary Fellow 2019) and Christina (2016; Honorary Fellow 2019) Dawson.

The College’s Island site on Trumpington Street comprises three courts: Sherlock Court to the south, Main Court in the centre and, from today, Dawson Court to the north.

Sherlock Court is already named in recognition of the positive impact a benefactor made on the College. Bishop Thomas Sherlock (1695, Divinity; Fellow 1698; Master 1714–19) generously paid for the renovation of the library (now known as the Sherlock Library) and left books and land to the College on his death.

Professor Sir Mark Welland (2016), Master of St Catharine’s, commented:

“Without our benefactors over successive generations since our foundation in 1473, St Catharine’s would not have developed into the vibrant academic community it is today. We are incredibly fortunate that alumni have rallied around our ambitious plans to invest in teaching and research, provide generous student support, enrich College life and execute a planned renewal of our buildings and spaces. It is therefore entirely appropriate that the courts of the Island site commemorate historical and more recent benefactors.

“Throughout my time as Master and for years beforehand, Peter and Christina have been extraordinarily supportive through their philanthropy, advice, time and encouragement. Their significant donation towards our Central Spaces underpinned the success of this major building project, which created elegant and accessible facilities that overlook Dawson Court. At the same time, their continued support and informed interest over many years has transformed health and wellbeing at St Catharine’s and indeed across the University of Cambridge.

“As a mark of singular recognition, the College’s Governing Body agreed that naming Dawson Court would be a public and lasting gesture that suitably conveys our profound gratitude and reflects many more private messages of thanks that students, staff and Fellows have expressed.”

Following the decision by Governing Body, the College has added Dawson Court to directional signage around the Island site and the official map provided to visitors.