Jesus College, Cambridge

Jesus College, a prestigious constituent of the University of Cambridge, is formally known as The College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and the glorious Virgin Saint Radegund, near Cambridge. The colloquial name, "Jesus College," derives from its chapel, Jesus Chapel, which is a central feature on the campus.

The college traces its roots to between 1496 and 1516, when it was founded by John Alcock, the then Bishop of Ely, on the site of a twelfth-century Benedictine nunnery of Saint Mary and Saint Radegund. The symbol of the college is a cockerel, which is a nod to the surname of its founder. With assets amounting to approximately £344 million, Jesus College is the fourth wealthiest in Cambridge. It is renowned for its extensive and beautifully maintained grounds, which not only house sporting fields but also lie near the college's boathouse, enhancing its appeal to students and visitors alike.

Academically, Jesus College boasts a distinguished record of achievement. It has produced three Nobel Prize laureates, two fellows who have been appointed to the International Court of Justice, and a host of notable alumni across various fields. Among these are Thomas Cranmer, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Thomas Robert Malthus, and contemporary figures such as Lord Reid, Lord Toulson, Sir Rupert Jackson, Sir David Hare, Sir Roger Scruton, Nick Hornby, and members of the band Clean Bandit.

In 2019, Sonita Alleyne was elected as the master of Jesus College, marking a historic milestone as she became the first woman and the first black leader to hold this position in an Oxbridge college. This was a significant event, coming 40 years after the college began admitting women as students. This leadership underlines the college's progressive values and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.