Law (1995)

John Arrastia

I came to Cambridge at the suggestion of a Professor who was visiting the US. I borrowed the funds to study there. What appealed to me at Jesus was that it was so inclusive and embracing. I played golf with the Porters and rugby with the staff. I dined with the other students, socialised with the Fellows, danced with the Master’s wife, and really got to know people. My friends and colleagues were engineers, doctors, politicians, religious scholars, undergrads, lawyers, professors – basically every stripe of humanity one could find. I appreciated Jesus because of that community. Before the internet, and iPhones, and streaming chats, instead of feeling isolated, �� was home.

I think it is important to give a hand up to those who follow. By donating to Jesus, I can make a difference to someone’s life.

Join John in giving back to ��.

Hear from our alumni

Ilana Cohen

Human, Social and Political Sciences (2022)

I arrived at �� in 2022 as a Harvard Social Studies Exchange student. Initially, I was compelled to pursue the program due to the academic freedom it offered, excited to work closely with leading thinkers in self-directed studies around climate change ethics. Upon starting at Jesus, though, I realised that I also gained the opportunity to join an incredible community of wonderfully eclectic and deeply welcoming scholars and peers. My Jesus experience was also formative for me as a climate justice activist. Sharing knowledge and building relationships with Cambridge...

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Human, Social and Political Sciences (2022)
Johnny Harounoff and Stephanie Posner

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (2013) and Classics (2012)

We met 10 years ago as undergraduates living in the same staircase in North Court and have since been studying and working in the United States. The College was so accommodating to us by providing us — and other Jewish students — with kosher facilities and by supporting the creation of the College's first Jewish Society. For us, the College is full of happy memories thanks to the friends we made and for all of the kindness shown to us from the porters, professors and staff. That sense of community...

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Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (2013) and Classics (2012)
Rafi Levy and Max Turner

Computer Science (2019) and Architecture and Urban Design (2019)

We first met in 2021 when we joined the May Ball committee as webmaster and graphic designer. We spent a lot of time together that year, working closely to create a graphic scheme and build a website for the event. Even though it was a lot of hard work and very stressful at times, we are so grateful to have been part of it as it is thanks to that opportunity that we became great friends. A couple of years later, we are still great friends and now have a...

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Computer Science (2019) and Architecture and Urban Design (2019)
Philip Slotkin

Modern and Medieval Languages (1958)

As a "bright kid" from a non-academic background I had to adjust quickly on arrival at Jesus, but I soon made friends and was never made to feel that I did not fit in socially. Since my wife and I have no children, it was to �� that my thoughts turned with advancing years, and given the attachment to the College that I felt from the beginning it was obvious that Jesus would be a major beneficiary of my Will. This intention was only reinforced by the unstinting assistance...

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Modern and Medieval Languages (1958)
Mark Hayes and Janet Livesley

Architecture (1976) and Architecture (1980)

We first met in 1980 when Mark returned to Jesus to study for the postgraduate diploma in Architecture and Janet joined the college on the same course. Graduate dinners in Upper Hall were a highlight of the week and an opportunity to meet socially with other Jesuans. Part of our studies included trips to Zambia and an earthquake-hit area in Southern Italy. We were married in the College Chapel just after completing our studies in the summer of 1982 and remained in Cambridge for a period following Mark’s election to...

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Architecture (1976) and Architecture (1980)