02 Mar 07

Oxford alumni from across the globe will be reliving their student days this autumn at the first ever University and colleges Alumni Weekend. This month former students worldwide will receive a letter from the Vice-Chancellor inviting them to participate in 'Meeting Minds' between 14 and 16 September 2007 - the first time that the University and colleges have collaborated to stage a major alumni event in the city.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Hood, said: 'The three-day event will combine aspects of the well-established tradition of college reunions with something quite new: a University-wide programme of more than 50 lectures, seminars, conversations, performances, sporting contests, visits, tours and Oxford hospitality with many of the University's leading academics and some of our best-known graduates. We hope that many hundreds of alumni will join us to revisit former haunts, renew old friendships and make fresh ones.'

The programme includes lectures on the challenges of global health by the Regius Professor of Medicine, John Bell; Lady Antonia Fraser giving her insight on the art of biography writing; BBC Director General Mark Thompson on the future of broadcasting; and Oxford mathematician Marcus du Sautoy on the mystery of prime numbers. Other highlights include: a panel discussion on Oxford's contribution to the history of thought chaired by Melvyn Bragg; Oxford stroke experts Professors Alistair Buchan and Peter Rothwell talking about the University's contribution to researching one of the top three leading causes of death; a panelon cancer and the postcode lottery by Professor David Kerr; and a panel of experts led by Sheila Cassidydiscussing torture and human rights issues.

Among the many tours and workshops on offer will be the chance for alumni to see behind the scenes at old haunts from their student days - including the museums and the underground workings of the Bodleian Library - as well as to trips to see the work of the WildCRU wildlife conservation group and the University's world-famous publishing house, OUP. Sir Roger Bannister will be firing the starter's gun for a mile fun run around the Iffley Road track where he made sporting history.

The Oxford Alumni Weekend 2007 has been organised in direct response to calls by graduates around the world who expressed a desire to return to their University for a mix of social and educational events.

Nancy Kenny, Secretary of the Oxford University Society, said: 'With more than 120 Oxford alumni groups worldwide, our graduates are very active in keeping in touch with their colleges and the University. Thousands attend University Society events in their home countries every year or come back to Oxford for traditional collegegaudies (reunions), but this is the first time that the University and colleges will be opening their doors over the course of a single weekend for such an event.

'The programme for the Oxford Alumni Weekend not only recognises the achievements of our current staff and students, but acknowledges the contribution our alumni are making to public life through the wide variety of inspirational and thought-provoking events on offer.'

Colleges will be welcoming alumni back to their halls of residence, providing college hospitality and events and helping to recreate the student experience.