Alumni

The 60th Anniversary Reunion of the 1964 Honours Mathematics/Natural Philosophy class took place on Friday 12th July, 2024. We were small in number (12 graduates and 5 spouses) but all were pleased to be present!

We arranged to “meet and greet” around noon at the new Advanced Research Centre which houses part of the School of Physics and Astronomy. We had much to discuss over a light lunch in the onsite Western Café. Afterwards, we had a stimulating introductory talk from Professor Daniele Faccio, and a fascinating tour of the quantum technology labs which, among other things, gave an insight into the diagnosis of heart abnormalities using a non-invasive laser camera.

We then toddled to the Clarice Pears Building, the new home of the School of Health and Wellbeing, where Gillian Bell gave a most interesting description of the work being done there. The group was very impressed with the interactive health-related demonstrations which are open to the public.

Our final visit was to the impressive James McCune Smith Learning Hub where many were glad to have a coffee just before the cafes closed! Some of us reached the top floor (using escalators was unheard of in a 1964 University Building!!) which afforded a new view of the University!

In the evening, we dined at the 1051 GWR restaurant, which was perfect for us with a private room and a sunny upstairs balcony where we chatted outside before dinner.

Everyone in the small group was delighted with the reunion, so much so that there was much enthusiasm for an annual dinner. A more formal reunion in 5 years may be considered in due course!

It remains to thank Professor Faccio and Gillian Bell for their talks, and Laura Palmer in the Alumni Team for the first-class support offered over many months.