The MCR at St Hilda’s brings together a diverse and vibrant graduate student community, both academically and socially. Every graduate student at St Hilda’s automatically becomes a member of the MCR upon joining the College, unless they choose to opt out.
The MCR Committee is elected by and from the student body. Its purpose is to foster a strong sense of community, support academic and social life, and ensure that the voice of graduate students is represented in the life of the College. The Committee’s work includes:
- Representing graduate students on College committees and making sure student feedback and concerns are heard in College decision-making.
- Organising a wide range of social events such as bops, formal dinners, bar nights, game evenings, film screenings, and seasonal celebrations.
- Supporting academic life through initiatives such as reading groups, discussion forums, and peer-led workshops.
- Promoting student well-being, offering a network of support and connection.
- The MCR Committee is here to make your time at St Hilda’s rewarding, engaging, and memorable. Committee members are democratically elected, and there are opportunities to stand for election throughout the year.
Valentine Sender – President
Hi! I’m Valentine, a second-year MPhil in European Politics working on party systems and the radical right. As MCR President, I am responsible for representing the views and interests of the MCR and for making sure things run smoothly(ish). Besides, I enjoy yapping, college rowing, social events, and procrastinating on my degree. I’m always open for a chat, so do not hesitate to get in touch!
Luna (Xinyue) Wu – Vice President
Hi! I’m Luna, and I’m delighted to be serving as the MCR Vice President this year. I’m a DPhil student in Chemistry, working on sustainable pharmaceutical production. Last year, I was the MCR Women’s Officer and the college SU Representative, and I’m excited to continue supporting our community. Outside the lab, I enjoy organizing events that bring people together and make our MCR a welcoming, inclusive space. Feel free to reach out if you ever have ideas, questions, or just want to chat!
Benjamin Etheridge – Admiral of the Fleet
Hi, I’m Benji — I’m going into my second year of an Engineering DPhil and I’m the MCR boat club representative this year. Collegiate rowing is a lot of fun and one of the best ways to get involved in the wider college community. Whether you’ve rowed or coxed before, or never even thought about it, I’d really encourage you to give it a try.
We’ll be hosting a boat club BBQ in Freshers’ Week — come along to hear more and sign up for a taster session on the water! In the meantime, if you have questions about the boat club feel free to get in touch.
Adam Wood – Welfare Officer & Disability Rep
I am a second year DPhil student in Condensed Matter Physics. As Welfare Officer I can help with signposting to the different services provided by the college and in Oxford more generally. Feel free to get in contact if you'd like to talk to someone more informally about any issues you might be facing! As Disability Rep I am also aiming to make sure there is voice on the MCR committee for access for all.
Matt Pelah – Sport’s Secretary & Men’s Secretary
Hey I’m Matt, the Sport’s secretary and Men’s secretary for the 2025-2026 MCR!
I’m a Second year DPhil student in Neurotechnology, but I’ve got a range of other interests in combat sports (MMA and BJJ), basketball, and music/guitar.
If anyone has any sports related matters, questions, or suggestions, feel free to bring them to me. Similarly, for any men’s specific topics or issues that you may wanna talk to another guy about, my door is always open.
