Celebrating our donors – Downing's new Foundation Fellows

In recognition of their generosity, Jamie (1988) and Louise Arnell (1987) were recently elected Foundation Fellows of the College. 

Jamie and Louise met as undergraduates at Downing. Louise read Classics and Jamie read Law.   

It was relatively soon after graduating that Louise and Jamie first became donors to the College and over the years, Jamie and Louise have supported many important Downing initiatives. From greatest needs in any particular year, to buildings, through to significant gifts to advance access and outreach initiatives for students who may not have considered applying to Cambridge. 

In 2020, motivated by the climate crisis, the Arnells made a transformational pledge to advance climate related research and teaching. Today, the Arnell Fund supports the Arnell Fellowship, two Arnell post-doctoral researchers in Geography and two PhD candidates.  

As well as their significant philanthropic support to the College, Jamie is also an active volunteer as Chairman of the Downing 360 Campaign Board, leading our efforts to raise £40m by 2027. 

He said: "We’re very touched to be recognised in this way. Giving to Downing has, in truth, been a somewhat self-indulgent pleasure for both of us. That said, we can really see the College going from strength to strength, which makes it all feel so worthwhile.” 

"I am delighted that the remarkable contribution of Jamie and Louise Arnell to the future of Downing College has been recognised through their election as Foundation Fellows," said Professor Graham Virgo, Master. 

"From their time as undergraduates at Downing their connection to the College and support for the College has been rock solid and I look forward to continuing to work with them both."

Published 25 October 2024