Marcel and Muriel Jongen
(Elected 2025)
Oration
It is my great honour to present Marcel and Muriel Jongen to be admitted as Fellows of Birkbeck, University of London.
Marcel and Muriel are philanthropists of generosity, vision and humanity. Their work – through the Jongen Charitable Trust –has opened doors of opportunity for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their giving has transformed the lives of hundreds of Birkbeck’s most vulnerable students, providing financial support to enable them to complete their studies and progress to further education or employment. Together, they embody a belief that education can change the course of a life – a belief that is at the heart of Birkbeck’s founding purpose.
Muriel Jongen was born in France and came to Birkbeck as a mature student, drawn by its unique community of learners. She completed a Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychology and an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2015, and has more recently studied History of Art here.
Muriel has spoken of Birkbeck as “a melting pot of ambitious, resilient students that come together from all professions, backgrounds, nationalities and stages of life.” She has described a Birkbeck education as something that “helps people follow their passions and take control of their future – and that is something we greatly need more of.”
Her words capture perfectly the spirit of Birkbeck – a place where education is not a privilege, but a pathway to success.
Marcel Jongen, born in Holland, built an outstanding career in global finance. After studying Public Administration at the University of Twente, he began his career as a pension fund manager at the Dutch electronics company Phillips, before moving to global financial services company Goldman Sachs’s asset management team. In 1997, together with his colleague Roderick Jack, he co-founded Adelphi Capital, which became one of London’s most successful hedge fund management firms. Following a distinguished career at the forefront of international finance, Marcel retired in 2022 and has since devoted his time to humanitarian and philanthropic causes.
In 2025, he joined the UK Advisory Board for UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, bringing his expertise and compassion to support people displaced by conflict and crisis.
Together, Marcel and Muriel established the Jongen Charitable Trust, through which they support initiatives that widen access to education and opportunity. Their philanthropy is guided by empathy, conviction and a deep understanding of the barriers that so many face in reaching their potential.
At Birkbeck, their generosity has had a profound and lasting impact. They are among our most significant individual supporters and their giving has provided direct financial assistance to some of Birkbeck’s most vulnerable students – enabling them not only to remain in higher education but to flourish.
During recent challenging times – through the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis – the Jongens’ support ensured that students could continue their studies, care for their families and look forward to a future shaped by learning rather than circumstance.
In Muriel’s connection as an alumna, and in their shared commitment as donors and advocates, Marcel and Muriel Jongen exemplify the very best of the Birkbeck community. Their lives remind us that the value of education extends far beyond classrooms – fostering opportunity, confidence and positive change for many.
Their family joins us today for this special occasion.
Vice-Chancellor, it is with great pride that I present Marcel and Muriel Jongen – visionary philanthropists, champions of education, and cherished friends of this College – to be admitted as Fellows of Birkbeck, University of London.