Antonio Gato (2022, Modern Languages)
Photograph courtesy of The Oxford African and Caribbean Society (OACS)
St Catherine’s College is deeply saddened to share the news that Antonio Gato (2022, Modern Languages), one of our 3rd year modern linguists, died on Friday 18th October while on his year abroad in Guadalupe. Antonio took an active part in College life, last year notably being President of the College Ethnic Minorities Society as well as being short-listed nationally for the top 10 Undergraduate of the Year Awards by Rolls Royce.
Pro-Master Professor Bart van Es said: ‘The whole community of St Catherine’s was shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Antonio’s death. He was a loved and special person and many students have been in touch with their memories of him. As Pro-Master, my thoughts are very much with his family and close friends.’
Reflecting on Antonio, Dr Jessica Goodman, Director of Studies in Modern Languages said: ‘Antonio was a remarkable student. We knew he was something special at his interview, and he continued to make a huge impression on everyone who came into contact with him from then on. Immensely focused and hardworking, he was also generous with his insights and eternally curious, taking an evident delight in all areas of his studies. His positivity was infectious, and was accompanied by a steely determination to do his absolute best: he would doubtless have gone on to do great things. He is a huge loss to all of us, leaving a big hole in our community at Catz and in Modern Languages in particular. We will miss him enormously, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.’
Antonio wrote a reflection on his experience of joining Oxford for the The Oxford African and Caribbean Society in his role as PR Officer. Speaking to his fellow students, he said:
‘Starting uni exposed me to the magic of first times. The first steps into independence, the first friendships that feel like family, and the first encounters with new experiences. These moments now hold a special place in my heart. No matter how challenging the journey may become, they serve as a reminder of the magic that life has to offer overall.
‘So, savour these moments. Do it all. Embrace the unknown, because within it lies the potential for extraordinary friendships, unexpected opportunities, and a life filled with the kind of magic that only ‘first times’ can bring.’
Many of the Fellows, staff and students came together with the Pro-Master to mark Antonio’s passing in the main quadrangle on 21/10/2024. The news of the death of someone at the heart of our community is difficult to come to terms with and will affect many of us for a long time to come. In College we will be thinking about how we can provide space and events through which we can remember Antonio. We also want to recognize our own and others’ grief and support all those grieving. In time we will announce a memorial event and tribute for Antonio.