St Hilda's College
We are delighted to announce that Kalina Hagen, a second-year Law student at St Hilda’s, has been named the winner of the Rachel McLean Award 2025.
The Rachel McLean Award is presented annually in memory of Rachel McLean, recognising outstanding commitment, leadership, and contribution to the St Hilda’s community and beyond. This year’s nominees showcased an extraordinary breadth of achievement, making the selection process incredibly competitive.
Kalina’s exceptional impact across multiple spheres made her stand out. Within college, she has been a driving force behind community life—as one-third of the Entz team, she brought creativity and energy to an exciting calendar of social events, and as the Boat Club’s social secretary, she created inclusive spaces for new and returning members alike. Her rowing teammates especially noted her ability to boost morale, recognising her as MVP on the W2 Summer VIIIs crew.
Kalina also demonstrated academic and professional initiative by restarting the St Hilda’s Law Society, through which she has organised workshops, mock trials, and networking opportunities—helping to build vital bridges between students and the legal world.
Beyond Hilda’s, Kalina has been widely active in the Oxford community. She is part of the Features team at Isis Magazine, with her work gaining recognition across legal and journalistic circles for its insight and originality. As President of the Oxford University Human Rights Society, she has played a central role in organising high-profile panels and events, showing an unwavering commitment to justice and critical debate. She also contributes to the Oxford Climate Society, underlining her engagement with global challenges.
Kalina’s breadth of activity and consistent excellence truly embody the spirit of the Rachel McLean Award. Her leadership, compassion, and drive for positive change have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to celebrate her achievements.
We also extend our warmest congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees, whose contributions represent the very best of St Hilda’s:
- Rosie Sutton (1st Year, Music), for her remarkable contributions to musical theatre across Oxford, her role in the college choir, and her leadership in productions heading to the Edinburgh Fringe.
- Melinda Zhu (2nd Year, PPE), JCR President and founder of her own production company, who has raised the profile of the college through creative and journalistic endeavours.
- Darcey McAllister (1st Year, PPE), a vibrant advocate for the LGBTQ+ community across Oxford, and newly elected President of the university-wide LGBTQ+ Society.
- Reuben Meadows (3rd Year, Geography), for his leadership in student welfare, journalism, and international academic collaboration, including his upcoming research in Mongolia.
- Penelope Aggett (4th Year, Classics), who revived the St Hilda’s Classics Society and played a key role in community-building and major college events.
- Catherine Kola-Balogun (2nd Year, History and Politics), a leader in student access, journalism, and the Oxford Law Society, as well as a dedicated athlete and ambassador.
Each nominee demonstrated a profound commitment to their peers, their disciplines, and the wider community. Their achievements are a testament to the spirit of St Hilda’s, and we are honoured to recognise them.
Congratulations once again to Kalina Hagen and all our nominees!