St. Stephen’s College Calls on Alumni to Finance Campus Revamp, Including Much‑Needed Restroom Upgrades

When you stroll through the leafy lanes of St. Stephen’s College, the old‑world charm is obvious – towering arches, well‑kept lawns and that unmistakable aura of academic tradition. Yet, behind the picturesque façade, many of the college’s facilities are showing their age, especially the washrooms and a few other high‑traffic spots that students use daily.

In a candid address to the Alumni Association last month, the college’s principal admitted that the institution faces a “quiet crisis” of sorts. While the academic reputation remains stellar, the physical infrastructure, particularly the restroom blocks scattered across the North and South wings, is struggling to keep up with the expectations of today’s students. Leaky taps, flickering lights and cramped stalls have become common complaints, and the administration says the situation can no longer be brushed aside.

To tackle the problem head‑on, the college has launched a fresh fundraising drive aimed squarely at its alumni network. The call to action is simple: contributions of any size will go directly into a dedicated “Campus Overhaul Fund,” earmarked for renovating washrooms, upgrading electrical wiring, improving signage and giving the library’s older reading rooms a modest refresh.

“We are not looking for a one‑off windfall,” said the Alumni Relations Officer, Ms. Ritu Kapoor, during the meeting. “What we need is a steady stream of support – even a modest contribution from each batch can add up to a significant sum. Think of it as an investment in the very spaces where future leaders will spend their formative years.”

The initiative has already sparked interest among several senior batches. A group of 1970s alumni, many of whom now hold senior positions in the corporate world, have pledged to match donations dollar‑for‑dollar up to a certain limit. Similarly, the college’s famous “Old Boys” cricket club is planning a charity match, the proceeds of which will be funneled straight into the renovation pool.

But it isn’t just about money. The college wants the renovation to be sensitive to its heritage architecture. “We are partnering with conservation experts to ensure that any upgrades blend seamlessly with the college’s historic aesthetic,” explained the project’s chief architect, Arvind Singh. “It’s a balancing act – modern amenities need to sit comfortably alongside neo‑Gothic stonework and century‑old woodwork.”

Students, too, have voiced their support, staging a small, peaceful rally outside the College Auditorium last week. A banner read, “A clean washroom is a basic right – help us make it happen!” The rally, though brief, underscored the growing sentiment that a respectable learning environment must include functional, dignified facilities.

For alumni who might wonder how their contributions will be used, the college has promised transparency. A detailed project plan, complete with timelines and cost breakdowns, will be posted on the St. Stephen’s alumni portal. Quarterly updates, photographs of the progress and a final report will be shared with all donors, ensuring that every rupee is accounted for.

To make giving easier, the college has set up multiple channels – a dedicated bank account, an online portal with secure payment gateways, and even a QR code that can be scanned from the alumni newsletter. Those unable to contribute financially are encouraged to volunteer their time, whether by offering professional expertise (architects, engineers, decorators) or by helping monitor the renovation sites.

As the fundraising drive gains momentum, the administration remains cautiously optimistic. “We have always believed that the St. Stephen’s community is a family that extends far beyond the campus gates,” said the principal, smiling. “If we can rally that familial spirit once more, there’s no doubt we’ll give our current and future students the environment they deserve.”

In the meantime, students are asked to be patient and to use the existing facilities responsibly, as the college hopes to complete the first phase of the renovation – mainly the North Wing washrooms – before the next academic year begins.

For anyone wondering how to get involved, the alumni office has posted a brief guide on its website, and the next virtual town‑hall, scheduled for early September, will provide a platform for questions and suggestions.