We had a great time. Most of the lectures were very interesting and stimulating and I only wish I could have attended them all! A big plus was we met a lovely variety of very decent, friendly and intelligent people. We left Cambridge on a real 'high'.
Because of this wonderful weekend and the chance it gives me to reconnect with the people and the place, Cambridge is still transforming my life. These few days really do have a big impact. Thank you so much.
Although each year it seems that the programme cannot possibly get any better, it does, in its increasing variety in the available choices. For me, it is an event which is always anticipated following the end of one Alumni Weekend, until the next one is publicised.
A participant, not able to attend in previous years due to work commitments at weekends, was enthralled by the entire three days' and is also now eagerly anticipating the chance to attend another year!
These events are one of the highlights of my year. The lectures are probably my favourites, but pleased to have seen so much of the colleges and departments over the years. I'll be back next year!
This event was wonderful - the staff worked very hard to make sure everything went well. It was of great value to hear and see the cutting edge technology and research.
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Alumni Weekend 2010
CARO are pleased to present the Alumni Weekend 2010 video! Ever wondered what Alumni Weekend is all about? This video, made in conjunction with Varsity publications, shows you some of the fascinating lectures and tours that took place at this year's Alumni Weekend, and gives you an idea of the sort of events you can look forward to next year.
Alumni Weekend 2010 Report
For three days in September, Cambridge crackled with energy as the 20th Alumni Weekend got under way. More than 1,200 guests from as far afield as Australia, Canada and India returned for the event - just part of a weekend of reunions across colleges and the University that saw a total of 6,000 alumni flood back to the city.
Centrepiece of Alumni Weekend was a day of lectures at the Sidgwick Site, reflecting the diverse interests of the University and its alumni. Subjects ranged from the art treasures of St Petersburg to the hunt for the Higgs Boson; and Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, marked the International Year of Biodiversity with a keynote speech.
Uniquely, guests were welcomed by two Vice-Chancellors, as Professor Dame Alison Richard passed the torch to her successor, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz. And for the first time, members of the University's Alumni Advisory Board were on hand to talk about their work.
There was a chance, too, for alumni to explore unfamiliar parts of Cambridge, and to take a rare snoop around other colleges. Exclusive tours opened up University buildings, gardens and archives - including the Polar Museum and Darwin's collection of plant specimens from the Beagle voyage.
Musical highlight of the weekend was 'Come and Sing'. Just six hours after meeting as strangers, a choir of 150 alumni shook King's College Chapel with a resounding Brahms' Requiem, under the expert direction of Stephen Cleobury.
Nathalie Walker, Head of Alumni Relations, said: "It is incredibly exciting that so many alumni come back for the Weekend, to be inspired again by lectures, music, ideas and all that Cambridge offers."
The 2011 Alumni Weekend will take place 23-25 September.
Photo credits
Fire bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) / Tongue orchid / Juvenile Grass Snake - © Chris Loades
Banded Orange (Dryadula phaetusa) - © Lisa Harris
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) -
© cambridge2000.com
The Churchill Archives / Drinks Reception
- © Alex Corr
Parker Library Interior - © Andrew Houston
Senate-House Interior - © Sir Cam
