Almost 400 alumni and supporters returned to Highfield Campus on Saturday 14 May to celebrate 70 years of university status.
The event, organised by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations with amazing support from Professional Services and Academic colleagues, encouraged alumni to reunite with their university friends, explore how campus has changed since their student days and learn about the University’s ambitions.
There was a host of activity to get involved in, including a sold-out talk from alumnus and former BBC North America Editor, Jon Sopel, and an update on our world-leading cancer and dementia research. Supporters and donors were also invited to a Stewardship Brunch to learn about the huge impact philanthropy and volunteering has on our research and students here at Southampton.
Ten schools opened their doors, and the famous ‘Toastrack’, a vintage Dennis bus owned by the Southampton University Engineering Society since 1958, was on display. Student Ambassadors showed alumni and their guests around Highfield on campus tours, and they also had the chance to take tours of the Hartley Library Special Collections.
Jo Donahoe, Director of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, said of the day: “It was a privilege to see our alumni and supporters enjoying the campus, and sharing old stories and memories of the transformative impact of their time at Southampton. It was a reminder of the enormous affection our alumni community hold for their university and the value they bring in terms of advocacy, engagement and philanthropy.”
A huge thank you to all the staff and students across the University who took time out of their weekend to make the event so memorable.
