Alumni Weekends

Welcoming more than 700 delegates to ‘Meeting Minds’, the very first Oxford University Alumni Weekend, which was held on 14–16 September 2007, the Chancellor Lord Patten said: ‘The “Oxford community” encompasses not just academics engaged in [teaching and] research, but the people all over the world who are members of this great institution. We are proud that this weekend’s programme recognises not only the achievements of our current staff and students, but also the immense contribution made by our alumni, whose work in everything from aeronautics to zoology owes a debt to their Oxford experience.’ 

Over three days, Oxonians and guests, who had travelled from near and far, enjoyed a varied and intellectually challenging programme of lectures and panel discussions; took part in behind-the-scenes tours, exhibitions, performances and social events; revisited favourite old haunts and discovered hitherto unknown corners of the city and University; and caught up with old friends and made new ones. In addition to the University programme, nearly all colleges and halls ran events. The weekend was a chance for alumni to reflect on both continuity and change at Oxford; perhaps to feel a little nostalgic, but also to feel proud of the teaching and research the University is doing today, and inspired by its ambitious plans for the future.

This inaugural weekend, organised by the staff of the Alumni Office, was such a success that it was repeated on 19–21 September 2008, and has now become an annual fixture for the autumn. More than 1,000 people attended the second weekend, some making the journey to Oxford from as far afield as Argentina, Vietnam and Australia. This year saw an expanded programme offering more than 130 events, including some that were laid on specifically for families. Other innovations included ‘taster’ sessions in several modern languages.

The overarching theme in 2008 was ‘Global Oxford’, and the weekend showcased many aspects of the University’s research on global issues; celebrated the increasingly cosmopolitan make-up of its student, staff and alumni bodies; and considered the challenges that face all institutions of higher education in a world that is changing very rapidly, including implications for funding and recruitment. Heather Bell, Director of International Strategy, reminded delegates that 14 per cent of Oxford’s undergraduates and 62 per cent of its graduate students are now citizens of countries other than the UK, as are 39 per cent of its academic staff – proportions that have all increased significantly over the past 10 years.

With this richly varied human resource base, and in the wider context of globalisation, both the subjects of and approaches to research are becoming ever more international. Talks covered many important topics of current study, including the problems and opportunities presented by increasing international migration; the challenges of changing demographics, notably ageing populations; and the need for global markets and institutions to better serve the needs of people in developing countries.

Certain discussions focused more on institutional topics, such as the experiences of international students at Oxford, and how Oxford can best serve its alumni, an estimated 46,000 of whom live overseas, many maintaining their relationship with Oxford through one of the Oxford University Society’s 121 branches in 57 countries.

As in 2007, the visits and walking tours proved to be some of the most popular events of the weekend. Around Oxford, 17 colleges opened their doors to all participants, allowing them to visit gardens, archives and libraries, as did many University departments, some offering ‘behind the scenes’ tours that were quickly booked up. Many delegates were delighted to have the chance to visit a place they had never visited as a student; to explore places that are not usually open to the public, such as the Bodleian Library’s underground tunnels; or to have a privileged preview of work in progress, such as that taking place in the exceptional new Biochemistry building, imaginatively designed to maximise the opportunities for scientists to meet, interact and innovate.

Alumni and their guests also enjoyed a wide range of social and cultural events, including evening receptions in the Divinity School and at the Oxford Playhouse, college dinners and a concert featuring Somerville alumna Dame Emma Kirkby with the London Baroque. Sporting activities included swimming in the University Pool and Tai Chi at the University Club. Bus and cycle rickshaw transport, which proved particularly popular, was provided between venues.

Feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive. As one alumnus commented: ‘I enjoyed it so much, it will become a permanent fixture.’

Nancy Kenny, Director of Alumni Relations, said: ‘Some [delegates] had signed up for as many as 15 of the 130 separate events, and all had a stimulating time, reminding themselves of the Oxford of their student days and learning about the Oxford of 2008. With an attendance more than 25 per cent larger than last year’s, the 2008 Alumni Weekend was a great success, and promises well for next year's event.’

The 2009 Alumni Weekend will take place from 25 to 27 September.