Jesus College is pleased to announce the endowment of a new means-tested undergraduate bursary in History, named after the late Dr John Walsh, former Tutorial Fellow and later Emeritus Fellow of the College.

Thanks to the generosity of many alumni and friends, we are also pleased to announce the establishment of a spend-down graduate studentship in History: the Walsh – Clarendon PGT in History, and the Walsh – Scott Mst in History. The College plans to make the first award of the John Walsh Bursary in Michaelmas 2023, with the two graduate studentships to follow in 2024.

 

We are grateful to all those who contributed to this appeal in John’s memory, and for their support of our students and the study of History at Jesus. As a testimony to his relationship with College, and his wide-reaching popularity across the College community during his time as a Tutorial Fellow, it is worth noting that donations for this appeal brought together alumni support from a range of subject backgrounds, all of whom remembered John with great affection. His widow, Frances Walsh, would like to express her sincere thanks to those who donated, and for making this new bursary, and the additional graduate studentships, possible. John cared most for his students, undergraduate and graduate, and the Walsh family is grateful for such a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Dr Alex Lumbers, Academic Director, says:

“I am delighted by this support for history undergraduates and postgraduates, which comes at a time when humanities continues to be under pressure, and helps to ensure that students can study History regardless of their background. It is also a fitting tribute to both John Walsh and Hamish Scott who were so involved with our students, and provided invaluable support.”

John came to Oxford in 1958, and was a Fellow and Tutor in History at Jesus until 1992. He was a distinguished scholar, internationally regarded as one of the leading authorities of eighteenth-century Christianity and particularly of Methodism. His publications include seminal works on John Wesley and the early years of the Methodist movement. During his years as a Fellow, John was also at the heart of College life, taking on roles that included Junior Dean, Fellow Librarian, and Editor of the Jesus College Record. His love of College deeply informed these roles.

 

As a Tutorial Fellow, John was outstanding. His courteous concern for all of his students was always paramount. Former undergraduate historians credit him with opening their minds to whole new ways of thinking about History and about the world, and it was well known that he was a meticulous supervisor of his graduate students. Beyond his own subject, John gave support and friendship to other Jesus students, among whom he is still remembered with great affection. In retirement he remained an active member of College, first as a Senior Research Fellow until 1994, and then as an Emeritus Fellow.

Jesus College has published a booklet featuring tributes from across the College community, which is viewable below: