Meet our January 2025 telethon callers

Univ 2025 telethon callers We are delighted to introduce our team of brilliant Univ students who will be reaching out to our OMs and friends of Univ this January in our telethon. The team covers a variety of disciplines including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Neuroscience and Classics. During the interview process we were extremely impressed by their energy, passion for their subjects, and their belief in the value of our plans for the progress of Univ’s community.

Every year, Univ employs a number of Student callers to reach out to our Old Members through a series of telethons. These calling sessions are a wonderful way for us to reach out to our extended community and highlight the important changes and work that is being undertaken at the college. This telethon, our students are looking forward to speaking to you about your memories of Univ, sharing their own experiences, and discussing the College’s ongoing appeals.

But don’t just take our word for it, have a read of our callers’ profiles below!

Caller Profiles

Daaud Ali
Hi, I’m Daaud, a second-year medical student at Univ. I’m currently learning how the body reacts to viral infections and mounts an immune response. I’ve been playing football for Univ for just over a year now, and it’s been a lot of fun (even if the results haven’t always been going our way…) I’ve recently been appointed the RAEM representative at the college and am excited to run new and exciting events in the college. I’m taking part in the telethon this year because I want to be able to sing the praises of the college and help fund its future projects for the years to come. As a recipient of the Beacon Scholarship, I’ve been fortunate enough to use my funding to travel to Egypt and work in a cardiac hospital with my sister. I would love to tell all of the past members about my experiences and help illustrate what a difference their donations can make to an undergraduate experience.

Adenike Adekanmbi
Hello, I’m Adenike Adekanmbi, an MSc student in Law and Finance at the University of Oxford and a proud member of University College. Before Oxford, I worked as an associate at a leading law firm in Lagos, Nigeria, specialising in corporate advisory. Outside of work and study, I enjoy engaging conversations, dancing, and taking long walks—especially when the weather is nice! As a beneficiary of a fully funded scholarship partly supported by University College, I’m thrilled to participate in this telethon. It’s a meaningful opportunity to help raise funds, ensuring future students receive the financial support they need to thrive at Univ, just as I have.

Samuel Naylor
I’m Sam, a second year Engineering-Science student at University College Oxford. I am an avid climber and have recently taken the role of President of the University College Climbing Club. I am excited to be part of this telethon to raise funds for the college to allow students to go on some amazing trips that they wouldn’t necessarily be able to do without financial aid.

Zarmina Khanzada
Hi! My name is Zarmina and I’m in my final year studying Law at Univ. When I’m not in the library, I am dancing as a part of the Half-Blue Competition Dance team, coming off the back of being the President last academic year. I find it’s a great way to keep fit, de-stress from my degree and I have made some of my best friends whilst being on the team! I’m really excited to partake in this year’s telethon and I am especially looking forward to speaking to Univ alumni and being inspired by what they have achieved post university!

Natasha-Chloe Garratt
Hello, I’m Natasha and I’m reading Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. I am particularly interested in Rome history, having spent the summer working on a project researching a villa outside of Fregellae as well as attending the Ancient Architecture Discussion Group here in Oxford. I also play canoe polo competitively for Oxford and this year I have picked up fencing as a new hobby with some of my friends from my course. I wanted to be part of the telethon as I enjoy hearing about how Univ has changed over the years from the people we call. Additionally helping raise money is important to me as it helps maintain Univ’s ability to give us an outstanding education such as how my work in Fragellae was possible thanks to the Old Members academic travel and conferencing grant.

Shubhankar Kashyap
I am currently reading for a DPhil in International Relations at Univ. I enjoy discussions about all things political and football (especially their intersection!) In my free time, I also play guitar. As a Radcliffe Scholar, I am particularly excited to give back to the Univ community and try to open doors for more marginalised students to experience the Univ life.

Leah Fogarty
Hi, I’m Leah. I am a fourth-year neuroscience student, and I am particularly interested in psychiatric disorders and sleep and circadian neuroscience. I enjoy writing articles and editing for The Oxford Scientist magazine and I also do competitive Ballroom and Latin dance. I am excited to hear stories from Univ alumni and learn more about where Univ can take people!

Ayesha Ali
Hello! I’m Ayesha, a fourth-year medical student just starting the clinical part of my course. I enjoy taking part in college life and wider university societies. More recently I took part in the medical school pantomime for the first time which was great fun! I’m looking forward to meeting lots of old members and hearing about life at Univ before I joined, as well as hearing where life after university took them.

Will McCaffery
Hi! I’m Will, a third-year Law student at Univ. Outside of my degree, I serve as Vice-President of the Oxford University Feminist Society, compete as a Full Blue on the Oxford Gymnastics team, and swim with the Wild Swimming Society. I’m excited to join this year’s telethon because Univ has provided me with outstanding opportunities for growth and learning, and I look forward to connecting with alumni while helping ensure future students can benefit from the same quality of education and support I’ve experienced.

Viola Alishah
Hi, my name is Viola, and I am a third-year classicist. Aside from my degree, I like to spend my free time working as an Outreach Representative for Oxford Women in Business, as well as playing for the esteemed Univ Netball team. I am excited to take part in the Telethon because I love to chat to people and want to hear some of the amazing stories and experiences of our alumni.