We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Weidenfeld, a long time friend, benefactor and supporter of the University of Oxford.
Among his many significant contributions to Oxford, Lord Weidenfeld served as a patron of the Campaign, and was instrumental in securing numerous important benefactions for the University. He established the Weidenfeld Scholarship Scheme - a leadership and graduate scholarship programme targeted at developing and emerging economies - as well as the Humanitas Visiting Professorship Programme. He was also Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for the Blavatnik School of Government.
The Chancellor of the University, Lord Patten of Barnes, said: 'George Weidenfeld was an extraordinary man, who well understood the power of education to transform both inpidual lives and developing societies.
'As co-founder of Weidenfeld & Nicolson, he was one of the greatest publishers of the twentieth century. At Oxford we knew him as a great and generous friend who offered not just financial support but also gave of his time, limitless energy and wise advice to a range of initiatives across the University including the Humanitas Visiting Professorships and the Europaeum.
'His remarkable generosity led to the creation of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, which has so far given more than 150 outstanding students from around the world the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at Oxford. We mourn his passing.'