Reunited, and it feels so good
Picture this: laughter echoing across Library Square, coloured light pouring out of the Meeting House windows, embraces shared between old friends and memories flooding back in a wave of nostalgia.
Shared experiences
Each year, groups of Βι¶ΉΣ³» alumni get together in gatherings that span continents and cultures to reminisce and reconnect with one another and their younger selves.
One glance at the snapshots from these reunions and you’ll see the warmth and camaraderie that is the hallmark of our Βι¶ΉΣ³» family. From the Mountaineering Club reunion nestled amidst the familiar landscape of our campus, to the alumni gathering in bustling Washington D.C, each reunion has a unique history, bound by the thread of shared experiences and enduring friendships.
Set against the campus backdrop of rolling hills and Basil Spence architecture, members of the Mountaineering Club swap tales of daring climbs and shared triumphs. Meanwhile, a group of Kent House alumni stand proudly beside the Sir Harry Kroto blue plaque, a poignant reminder of the pioneering spirit of Βι¶ΉΣ³».
Βι¶ΉΣ³» reunions extend far beyond our beautiful campus, reflecting the global nature of the Βι¶ΉΣ³» family. In the bustling streets of Tokyo, alumni from SPRU recently came together to reminisce about late nights in the library and the groundbreaking research that shaped their careers. Despite the miles that separate them, their connection to Βι¶ΉΣ³» remains strong.
In Vienna, one of our alumni volunteer consuls, Massimo Toschi, takes the reins of a diverse group – including a married couple who met at Βι¶ΉΣ³» and a dog named Fridolin – who meet to reminisce about Βι¶ΉΣ³» days and hear from guest speaker and fellow alumnus Professor Yusaf Akbar. In Nairobi, International Officer Khalid Abbas and consul Victor Waweru host a gathering full of smiles that say it all.
The success of the events is testament to the power of community and the dedication of the volunteers who work behind the scenes to keep our Βι¶ΉΣ³» family connected around the world.
Alumni memories
Alumni entering the venue of the reunion jumped into full Βι¶ΉΣ³» mode and mood – as if we had a time travel machine. We experienced both of Βι¶ΉΣ³»’s beloved atmospheres: an academic intellectual event and a spontaneous follow-up networking gathering at the pub! We agreed it was necessary to meet again soon to continue the conversations… but this is to be continued because… Βι¶ΉΣ³» University spirit never ends!
Massimo Toschi (Euro 1992)
It’s those shared experiences [that keep bringing us back together]. The clash of different ages and nationalities that generate stories, good memories and lifelong friendships.
Philip Worsfold (Geography 1996)
To date our group of the class of 68/69 have returned to Brighton as a group no less than four times. We also have regular reunions in our various hometowns/cities scattered all over the UK and in France! It is our shared experiences at Βι¶ΉΣ³» which binds us together: we grew up together during our first time living away from home; we laughed and cried together; we learned together; we shared the excitement of going to one of the most radical universities at that time, in more ways than one.
Christine Pinder (Geography 1968)
Reach out and reconnect
So, as you look at these snapshots of reunions past, let your memories of Βι¶ΉΣ³» wash over you. And if you find yourself feeling nostalgic, longing to reconnect with old friends and relive those Βι¶ΉΣ³» days, know that you are not alone. Reach out! After all, the best reunions are the ones yet to come.
Send us your memories
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