'Special' Alumni Weekend a roaring success

Returning Oxford graduates were treated to a packed three-day programme of almost 100 talks, tours, workshops and social events.

Highlights included a first-hand view of Oxford's robot car project at the Information Engineering Building; lectures by the Chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes, and Professor Marcus du Sautoy; a choral workshop at New College Chapel; a demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony at the Ashmolean; and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oxford Playhouse. 

Many colleges and departments opened their doors to visitors, while academics conducted a range of themed tours of the city.

Christine Fairchild, Director of Alumni Relations at Oxford University, said: 'The Alumni Weekend in Oxford is always a special time. It's our opportunity to share the riches of this remarkable University with alumni from all corners of the world; to pose provocative questions; to showcase remarkable, cutting edge research; to remind them of what it was like to be a student here.

'It's so gratifying to see the guests emerge from their chosen sessions having been challenged and inspired by the insights afforded in the presentations. From big data and deep sea mountaineering to medieval romance and the Arab Spring, there's something for everyone.'