The Oxford Character Project (OCP), which Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) has supported and worked closely with over the years, is one of six recipients of the Vice-Chancellor's Education Award 2022, announced at a ceremony at Worcester College on September 29, 2022. These biennial awards are designed to celebrate and showcase educational activity at Oxford that has a clear and demonstrable impact upon the educational experience of Oxford's students.
Dr. Edward Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project, accepted the award from Professor Dame Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Professor Martin Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, praised the OCP for its unique postgraduate leadership development programs designed for a 21st Century world. "This is an innovative program which adds value to Oxford’s traditional educational offering while providing practical wisdom on leadership from senior colleagues across the University."
Anjali Sarker, Program Manager of the OCP, expressed her enthusiasm about the impact of the recognition. "We are driven by Oxford’s commitment to ensure that our students are fully equipped to excel in whatever they choose to do. Oxford has been producing leaders for over 800 years, but now, more than ever, we need leaders who can lead with purpose and serve the public good, putting people and the planet first. This award will help us to realize this vision."
"Nearly 10 years ago, in March 2013, we submitted a funding proposal to TWCF for what was to become the OCP. The very last lines of the proposal presented an ‘aspirational goal of the program’ which was: Institutional recognition of the importance of character development," shares Reverend Dr. Jonathan Brant, Chaplain, The Oxford Pastorate.
"This award is a marvelous indicator of the impact of TWCF funding," notes Professor Andrew Briggs, Emeritus Professor of Nanomaterials at the University of Oxford, and former TWCF advisor, who helped support the formation of the OCP in its earliest stages.
After the award was announced, many alumni reached out to the OCP team members with congratulatory messages. Recent alumni, Aryemis Brown, reflected on his experience with OCP. "OCP helped me become kinder, more generous, and more empathetic. To consider essential questions about humility, gratitude and purpose — in our lives and around the world – among a warm and diverse community is a special opportunity."
Learn more about The Oxford Character Project and the Vice-Chancellor's Education Award here.
