Friends of St Mary's

There has long been a desire to unite the worldwide community of well-wishers and supporters of St Mary’s.

As we look forward to celebrating 175 years in 2025, the Friends of St Mary’s will bring together all those in sympathy with our mission in a special way that I believe will be very distinct on the British university landscape.

Supporting the development of St Mary’s University and its students, the activities of the Friends will encompass:

Promoting the mission and reputation of St Mary’s
Networking among the Friends through a programme of events and communications
Fundraising for initiatives including capital projects and scholarships

I would like to invite you to become a Friend as a way to express your support and affection for the University and its mission. We are very excited about this initiative to connect the worldwide community of St Mary’s. Please do join us if you can.

With best wishes,
Anthony McClaran
Vice-Chancellor

Join now

About Friends of St Mary’s

Who are the Friends of St Mary’s?

St Mary’s Alumni worldwide
Families of students past and present
Staff and others professionally engaged with St Mary’s
Local people, faith organisations, sporting and cultural community groups
Schools, colleges and places of learning
Supporters of St Mary’s as it strives for greater academic excellence
Supporters of St Mary’s as a force for the Common Good in society

What are the objects of the Friends?

To build networks of Friends locally and internationally
To promote the profile and standing of the University
To construct a platform for fundraising campaigns for the things which really matter: heritage projects, student life, social impact activities and academic initiatives

How do I become a Friend?

Friendship of St Mary’s is open to all. You can join through our online application form. If you need assistance please call the Friends Office on 020 8240 4008 or send an email to friends@stmarys.ac.uk.

How much does membership cost?

Annual membership of the Friends costs just £25 per year for individuals and £40 for joint membership. Those aged between 18 and 30 years old may join at the discounted rate of £10 per year.

What does membership include?

A new opportunity to support St Mary’s and its students
An invitation to the Friends Day including commemoration Mass, Talk and Garden Party
A copy of the Friends Annual Newsletter
Regular e-bulletins about interesting events at St Mary’s during the year
Access and booking information for special lectures
Networking opportunities and interest groups among the Friends

The Friends programme will evolve continuously as we grow in numbers.

How is the Friends operated?

The Friends is operated by the University. The Friends Committee is fortunate to include both dedicated volunteers and the resources of the Development Office.

Join a worldwide community of Friends

Andy Prindiville, Headteacher & CEO

‘SIMMS’ has had a huge impact on my life in terms of the lifelong friendships I have made. However, it has also had a major effect on my professional life and helped prepare me for my dual roles of CEO of a Multi Academy Trust and Headteacher of a successful secondary school. When I was asked to become a Friend of St Mary’s, I did not hesitate as, without wishing to sound clichéd, I wanted to put something back into the institution that has had such a positive influence on my life.

Natalie Hobkirk, former President of Students’ Union at St Mary’s

I was a Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies student from 2015-2018, after which I served as the Students’ Union President for two years. The distinct sense of community at St Mary’s is unique and felt by so many who come to the University. St Mary’s delivers not just excellent academic programmes, but also opportunities for students to become active citizens in the world with an holistic outlook. I became a Friend of St Mary’s in order to remain connected with the University, as it gave me a lot of happy memories, experiences and friendships, which I can continue to build upon. I also want to show my thanks for what the University has given me.

Noreen Doyle, Retired Banker and Corporate Director

I attended Mount Saint Vincent in NYC, a Catholic liberal arts college not unlike St Mary’s. In 1990 I moved to London and worked in finance and corporate governance there for thirty years. I was serving as chair of Marymount International School in Kingston when I was invited to join the Board of Trustees of St Mary’s in 2017. The academic rigour and the Catholic ethos of St Mary’s is similar to my alma mater and I have enjoyed contributing my perspectives (financial, governance, American) to enhance and promote St Mary’s. The dedication of the staff and faculty is impressive - and it is life enhancing to see the students and their enthusiasm for the curriculum and extra curricula activities.

Fr Eugene Curran CM, Missionary

I am a Vincentian priest, currently serving in Mill Hill. I became a Friend of St Mary’s for two significant reasons. Firstly, because of my belief in, and commitment to, Catholic education at all levels but, especially, the training of people for ministry. Secondly, in honouring the years of service to Strawberry Hill of various Vincentians and, especially, Des Beirne, with whom I shared many happy days.

Marianne Rozario, Project Manager of Catholic Mission at St Mary’s

I believe that Catholic universities have a gift to offer the world. As St John Henry Newman said, they are ‘a seat of wisdom, a light of the world, a minister of the faith, an Alma Mater of the rising generation’. Being a Friend of St Mary’s enables me to support that vision. It helps the mission of St Mary’s as a place where faith and reason can intertwine, and be of service to the world.

Zsuzsanna Toth, Financial Analyst at St Mary’s

I moved here in 2017 from Hungary to study and build a career. When I first walked across the beautiful campus I knew it was love at first sight. I am a graduate of the Business School of St Mary’s University, and I started my professional journey after my graduation as an active member of the University’s Finance Department in July 2020. St Mary’s has given me a lot throughout the years I have been here and I was very keen at the prospect of becoming a ‘Friend’ to stay reconnected as I do not want to lose touch now or in the future with the place and the people who made my time here special.

Sean Fitzpatrick, Entrepreneur

I spent three years at St Mary’s and completed my teacher’s certificate in 1970. Following my time at St Mary’s, I spent ten years as a secondary school teacher in West London before establishing successful multi-million-pound businesses in construction, vehicle rental, golf management and property. I am delighted to be a supporter and founder member of the Friends of St Mary’s. Within my role, I share my experience of how education can provide a platform for diverse career opportunities for current and future students.