Where it all began: EEE welcomes back the classes of 1998–2005

More than twenty years after graduating from the department, alumni from the classes of 1998 to 2005 returned on the Great Exhibition Road Festival weekend for a special celebration reception.

In Lecture Theatre 408 – which, as every guest noted, hasn't changed at all – Head of Department Professor Tim Green welcomed the former students and recalled how he had taught many of them second-year Power Electronics there.

Tim reflected on how much the department's education has evolved: ensuring our facilities and courses are relevant, transforming classroom and social areas, and creating breakout space designed for student collaborative working.

Past, present and future

Professor Pantelis Georgiou, EEE's Director of Research and a graduate of this era, invited alumni to introduce themselves and the careers they have built since graduating. What followed was a great illustration of just how far an EEE degree from Imperial can travel – across engineering and technology, consulting, academia, finance, startups, non-profits and the creative industries.

Guests were taken on a tour of the teaching spaces, including the fondly remembered and largely unchanged Level 1 “Purple” Lab, still the principal first and second-year practical teaching space, and as alumni were delighted to discover, still purple. The fundamentals taught here haven't changed either, and although the equipment at the benches has been upgraded, our guests were pleased to learn that the same beloved lab technicians are still here.

Current researchers showcased some of the latest work from the department. Professor Kristel Fobelets, remembered by many, was among those presenting her research to guests.

Several other staff also needed no introduction: Kay Hancox, Jane Horrell and Wiesia Hsissen, who back in the day were providing front-line student support, Professor Chris Toumazou, Dr Christos Papavassiliou, and Professors Timothy Constandinou and George Constantinides – both of whom have made the journey from EEE graduate to EEE academic – were all on hand to welcome guests back. 

Visit our photo gallery and add your memories to the bulletin board 

Conversations during the reception included fond recollections of the student society EESoc and the legendary EESoc Revue, the department's much-missed celebration of student and staff performing talent. EESoc continues to thrive at the heart of student life in the department.

Professor Pantelis Georgiou said: "It's wonderful to see so many familiar faces and reconnect with old friends, with an atmosphere truly buzzing with excitement. I've especially enjoyed hearing about their journeys and the wide range of industries in which they are now leading. We're looking forward to continuing to engage with our alumni as an active and valued part of the Department's future."

Our thanks to everyone who came back to see us, and to all those who contributed to such a fun afternoon, especially event organisers Dr Sarah Al-Beidh, Iza Wojcicka-Grzesiak and Wiesia Hsissen.

Stay connected

We love to stay in touch with our former students; there are several ways to keep up with news from the department and connect with the wider EEE alumni community:

• Follow the department on LinkedIn – and join the EEE alumni group while you're there.
• Follow us on Instagram
• Email newsletters - make sure to update your details with Imperial so you don't miss a thing – you can choose the alumni communications you'd like to receive, including a twice-yearly EEE email from Professor Tim Green with the latest news and updates from the department and alumni.