October 23, 2014, by Hannah Curnock

Golden Reunion, Class of 1964

On Saturday 11 October, we welcomed back 40 alumni and guests from the class of 1964 to our annual Golden Reunion. Alumni travelled from as far as Greece to reminisce with old friends and see how the University has changed. For some guests it was the first time back on campus in 50 years!
The day began with a chance to chat and look at photographs and memorabilia from 1964 over coffee in the Senate Chamber.

        

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Greenaway, welcomed back the ‘Class of 1964’ with an address focused on the recent developments at the University with comparisons to life at Nottingham in 1964. Guests were amazed by the growing numbers of students at the University and the number of new buildings and departments. Particularly of interest to alumni was the growing internationalisation of the University in China and Malaysia.

Harry Copson, Students’ Union President, updated guests about the SU today. Whilst guests agreed the structure of the SU officers remained similar to their own SU in 1964, they learned that students now have access to over 74 different sports clubs and 200 societies – far more than they ever imagined possible!

Alumni were treated to lunch in the Council Dining Room where they enjoyed views down to the lake and discussed how the landscape had changed. All were in agreement that the campus and gardens looked splendid in all its autumn glory and were pleased that so much green space had been retained despite so many changes to the campus.

        

After lunch guests took a guided stroll around Trent, Portland, and a couple of Halls of Residence, led by current students. The changes to the Portland building were particularly dramatic from 50 years ago! Thankfully the rain just about held off as alumni remembered old haunts and explored the campus.

A highlight of the day for many was the chance to experience a current day seminar room and listen to the informative and entertaining lecture by Professor John Beckett on the history of the University.

The day ended with a glass of fizz (or two!) and afternoon tea at the Djanogly Gallery at Nottingham Lakeside Arts. Alumni had the chance to view the current exhibition And Now It’s Dark; American night photography, and enjoy tea and cakes whilst listening to the student jazz trio in the evening sunshine.

           

Overall this special event was thoroughly enjoyed by all. One guest summed it up with the following:
‘Being able to spend 2 nights in the Orchard Hotel and meeting up with old friends was very pleasurable. I feel the University of Nottingham is a great success story and I’d always recommend it! Those who didn’t attend missed a treat! Many thanks for a splendid day’.

Keep up-to-date with the University of Nottingham Alumni Relations team and activities by visiting our dedicated website and also at LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

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