17 Sep 07

Between 14-16 September Oxford University celebrated its first ever Collegiate University Alumni Weekend. Former students were offered a packed three-day programme of 110 events that involved everything from discussions on the future of broadcasting to musical performances, tours of the University's hidden historical gems and even dining with dinosaurs.

The 'Meeting Minds' programme was the first University-wide reunion in Oxford's 900-year history. More than 720 alumni and their guests travelled from all parts of the UK and across the globe to be stimulated and entertained, revisit old places and renew acquaintances.

The programme contained lectures, seminars, conversations, performances, and tours and involved many of the University's leading academics and well-known Oxonians. On Friday popular events included underground tours of the Bodleian Library, a trip to meet the WildCRU (The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit), and a guided tour of the OUP Museum to learn about the history of the Oxford English Dictionary. In the evening alumni could choose between dinners at Rhodes House, the Ashmolean Museum, or a dinner date with dinosaurs and dodos at the University Museum of Natural History. Music-lovers could opt instead for a concert at St Hilda's College.

Saturday saw a packed programme of events featuring some of our best-known graduates including Melvyn Bragg and Lady Antonia Fraser. Lord Bragg led a panel discussion on Oxford's contribution to the history of thought, and Lady Antonia Fraser reflected on her work spanning 30 years as an historical biographer. Other highlights included an exploration of the mystery of prime numbers by Professor Marcus du Sautoy, and 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. At lunchtime the Vice-Chancellor Dr John Hood took centre stage at the Sheldonian with a talk reflecting on the University today and looking forward to the University of tomorrow.

In the afternoon the programme of talks covered everything from medicine to climate change, politics and ethics, to theatre. Highlights included a discussion on the future of broadcasting featuring BBC Director General Mark Thompson; Lord Butler of Brockwell reflecting on ten years as Secretary of the UK Cabinet; and Lord Robert May on Oxford's contribution to solving the world's energy problems. John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, gave the 2007 Oxford University Society Lecture on 'Global Health'. Other activities included real tennis, poetry readings, and a concert by soloists of the Oxford Philomusica at the Holywell Music Room.

The weekend was rounded off on Sunday with tours of the Botanic Gardens and the Pitt Rivers Museum and a farewell brunch at the Saïd Business School.

Nancy Kenny, Director of Alumni Relations and organiser of the Alumni Weekend at the University, said: 'We were delighted that so many of our graduates chose to return to Oxford for our first ever University and colleges alumni weekend. I'd like to thank everyone who came, and all those who put together such an entertaining and inspiring programme, for making the reunion an outstanding success.'

Alumni who enjoyed this year's events can book their places for next year. Next year's Alumni Weekend will be held between 19-21 September 2008.