Oxford fundraising hurt by clash of egos

Oxford University’s attempt to raise as much as £1.25bn to help it compete with American Ivy League colleges appears to have run into problems, with a clash of egos between Michael Moritz (right), the California dotcom millionaire appointed head of fund-raising in North America, and Jon Dellandrea, the university’s pro vice chancellor (development and external affairs), the man charged with overseeing the fund-raising.

It appears that Moritz, who donated £25m to Christ Church College last month, one of the biggest gifts that any British university has received, has caused Dellandrea to reconsider his position following a fraught telephone call in which the tycoon allegedly told him that he found Dellandrea “obtuse” and “uncooperative”. The Daily Telegraph claims that Dellandrea, who was lured away from Canada three years ago, where he raised £500m for the University of Toronto, is now on an extended holiday. The request that he stay away was made (reluctantly) by the man who recruited him, Dr John Hood, Oxford’s controversial vice chancellor.

It seems like a straight clash of personalities. Moritz, 53, who was educated at a comprehensive school in Cardiff (but went on to Oxford), is said to be a tough customer, whereas Dellandrea is considered an amiable bon vivant. Neither of the two parties has yet commented on the alleged falling out. Nor has Dame Vivien Duffield, the heiress brought in to lead Oxford's British fundraising campaign. An Oxford spokesman says of Dellandrea's rumoured departure: "It's the first I've heard of it. He is still in post, but is on holiday at the moment. He'll be back late next month."