On Saturday 30 September, more than 200 alumni came back to campus to celebrate their time at the University of Birmingham. Alumni joined us from all over the UK, as well as from overseas, with guests returning to Birmingham from as far afield as USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore and Nigeria.
The morning started with a warm welcome from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood and Sheila Oxspring, President of the Guild of Graduates, followed by the Guild of Graduates Alumni Association AGM.
Alumni were then treated to tours of their departments and were given the opportunity to chat with current academics and students working and studying within their School. This was a key highlight for many alumni as they had the chance to reminisce with classmates and see how things have changed and indeed what has stayed the same, since their time at Birmingham.
The morning was followed by a two course celebration lunch in Staff House, with a special Golden and 50th Anniversary Reunion Lunch in the Astor Suite. Many alumni brought along old photographs and memorabilia from their time at the university to share with classmates.
All alumni where then asked to gather in the Great Hall for class photos. It was particularly special to be joined by so many of our alumni celebrating their 25th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th and Golden anniversaries of graduation.
The afternoon activities kicked off around 3pm with guests making their way to lecture theatres for a series of presentations - “Healthy Ageing and How to Achieve It” by Professor Janet Lord, “Cancer Research” by Professor Ben Willcox, and “Gravitational Waves” by Professor Alberto Vecchio.
Afterwards guests were able to choose how they wished to spend their afternoons. There were plenty of smiles and even the rain couldn’t dampen everyone’s spirits as groups gathered for the tours of the main campus. Many took the opportunity to visit the new library but trips to the Barber Institute of Arts, Winterbourne House and Gardens and a minibus tour of campus were also popular.
For many the day concluded with a drinks reception in the Bramall Music Building with a vocal performance from one of the university’s students.
In the evening the university hosted an Anniversary Reunion Dinner at Staff House. It was an excellent evening and all who attended thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and company.
The day was a wonderful opportunity to renew old acquaintances, make new friends and see how the university has changed over the years. We thank all those that attended.
To see photographs of the day, please visit our Flickr gallery.
Save the date: The date for the 2018 Alumni Reunion has now been confirmed and we look forward to welcoming alumni back to campus on Saturday 29 September.