HMC alumni bid farewell to Professor Jane Shaw and meet incoming Principal

On Saturday 20 September HMC held its Annual Alumni Dinner. Demand for the event was particularly strong this year as alumni took the chance to bid farewell to outgoing Principal Professor Jane Shaw and meet her successor Beth Breeze, who will take up the post on 1 October. For many of our alumni it also marked the first opportunity to meet HMC’s Director of Alumni Relations and Development, Lisa Smars, who joined the College in May.

Alumni in the Arlosh Hall. Image: John Carter

Around 100 former students and their partners attended dinner in the Arlosh Hall, which followed a drinks reception in the Warrington Room. As well as providing an occasion to catch up with fellow alumni and friends, the event gave guests a final opportunity to hear from Professor Shaw. In a wide-ranging post-dinner speech, she reflected on some of the highlights of her seven-year tenure, including the College’s academic achievements and its programme of cultural events.  

Interest in next year’s Annual Alumni Dinner is already high, with many guests keen to sign up again for the 2026 edition. Booking will be available shortly.   

HMC Principal Professor Jane Shaw (right) with her successor, Beth Breeze