The Inaugural is an annual event where the Auditor picks a topic to give an address on, accompanied by a panel of expert guest speakers.

This year, the Auditor of the 253rd Session, Sébastien Dunne Fulmer, chose to give their address on “The Importance of Discourse in the Modern Day”. The event was chaired by Professor David McConnell, President of the Society.

Sébastien’s address was responded to by Cody Keenan, who served as Barack Obama’s chief speechwriter, and Rory Montgomery (former Librarian of the Hist), a distinguished diplomat and key Irish negotiator for both the Good Friday Agreement and Brexit.

Cody Keenan was awarded the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Public Discourse, while a number of student achievement were also recognised. Athena Wu, Anya Wilson, and Katy Harrington were presented with their trophies as the Champions of the Hist’s Maidens’ Competition, Oscar Wilde Card Competition, and Freshers’ Masters Competition.

The livestream of the Inaugural can be viewed here.

Photos can be found here.