Alumni Reunion 2007

Nearly 900 alumni and guests joined the College's Centenary celebrations at the Alumni Reunion 2007.

Nearly 900 alumni and guests from all over the world attended three days of activities over the weekend of 14–16 September 2007 in celebration of the College’s Centenary year. The Alumni Reunion 2007 brought former students from all departments back to the College to meet old friends and find out how Imperial has developed over the years.

Testing how much alumni really know about the College’s history, the Reunion kicked off on the Friday night with a Centenary quiz. While for the less historically minded, the Faculty of Engineering’s departments and the Department of Chemistry hosted receptions for their alumni, giving former students the opportunity to see how much, or how little, has changed.

Sonjoy Premi (PhD Mechanical Engineering 1985) said: I thoroughly enjoyed the Mechanical Engineering open evening, especially Emeritus Professor Sir Hugh Ford's lecture and the tours of the Department's research labs. It was also great to meet Professor Colin Besant, my PhD supervisor, and my classmates.” He added: “The reunion brought back many fond memories which I shall cherish for the rest of my life!”

Academics from each of the College’s faculties gave an insight into the recent developments in science, technology and medicine, including Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of Surgery at Imperial and Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Department of Health, who delivered an engaging lecture on Technology in surgery. The key note lecture by Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government, Sir David King, on the global challenges of climate change, was another of the weekend’s highlights.

Talking about the Saturday’s lecture programme, David Angwin (Mechanical Engineering 1942, 1948) commented: “The lectures were fascinating and understandable, even to someone out of touch with the latest scientific and technological developments.” He added: “I very much enjoyed the celebrations and special events. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.”

There was also the opportunity to climb the 324 steps of the historic Queen’s Tower, enjoying views over the College and west London. Brian Roper (MSc Earth Science and Engineering 1979) said: "The view from the tower was still as exhilarating as it was 28 years ago."

Saturday’s entertainment culminated in a Reunion dinner in a marquee on the Queen’s Lawn. Hosted by the Rector, Sir Richard Sykes, the event brought together 250 alumni and guests, who were entertained by the Imperial College Big Band and a spectacular fireworks display. Sir Richard said: "I was delighted to see so many alumni back at the campus. This weekend is without a doubt one the biggest and most exciting events of our Centenary year." He added: "This is a year that belongs to everyone who has ever studied or worked at Imperial College during the last century."

Sunday offered the chance to explore the campus, and many alumni commented on the changes that the South Kensington Campus has seen over recent years, among them was Tony Lucking (Physics 1943, Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1949) who commented: “One of the most obvious changes is that all our buildings have been replaced! But perhaps the most noticeable change is the arrival of medical and management activities.” Many departments opened their doors to tours and demonstrations for alumni and their families. Julian Race (Physics 1989) had an "enlightening and thought provoking visit to his old department”.

The closing event for the weekend was a barbecue in the Beit Quad, where alumni had their last chance to meet up with former classmates and friends.

Looking back at the event, Fiona Kirk, Director of Development at the College, said: "The weekend was a great success. It was wonderful to see so many people returning to the College and reminiscing about their time here."

Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/reunion2007 to view photos taken throughout the weekend, watch Sir David King’s keynote lecture The global challenges of climate change, and hear alumni reminiscing about their years at the College in the Reunion’s memory pod.

Alumni will be invited back to the College for a reunion every 10 years, so alumni from the classes of 1928, 1938, 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988 and 1998 will be invited back for their reunion in 2008. More details about the Alumni Reunion 2008 will be available soon.