Alumni Reunion 2009

Over 280 alumni and guests returned to the South Kensington Campus for the Alumni Reunion 2009.

The Alumni Reunion 2009 took place on a glorious September Saturday, when over 280 alumni returned to the South Kensington Campus for the event. The class of 1984 was the largest in attendance, this being the year they celebrated 25 years since their graduation.

The day’s events began in earnest with the Rector’s welcome address giving an update on happenings at the College before he went on to introduce the keynote speaker, Sir Adrian Johns, alumnus and Former Second Sea Lord and Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy’s Naval Home Command. Sir Adrian commented: “Imperial gave me a huge amount, so it was the very least I could do to come back and speak at the reunion”. In keeping with the reunion’s theme of working together, he discussed leadership in the context of his experiences in the Navy. The audience’s appreciation for his enthralling lecture was demonstrated by the rapturous applause, about which the Rector commented: “The applause says it all. Sir Adrian’s comments are pertinent to so many walks of life and there were some very important lessons indeed”.

After the keynote lecture, many of the attendees returned to their former departments to be given a tour by current staff and students. After a buffet lunch, a series of lectures by various Imperial academics continued into the afternoon.

Sir Keith O’Nions talked about how the new Institute for Security Science and Technology, of which he is the Director, seeks to improve security across a range of scales, from protecting the individual to ensuring the security of whole populations.

Executive Director of the Energy Futures Lab, Professor Nigel Brandon, discussed how teams at Imperial are working to address critical issues of future energy supplies and are at the forefront of energy research in many key areas including energy efficiency, fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Professor Joanna Haigh, Head of Atmospheric Physics, delivered a talk on solar variability and climate. Professor Haigh explained the importance of the absorption of solar UV radiation in the stratosphere, and the new understanding of climate variability that resulted from research into the effects on the Earth’s temperature of a more active sun.

Professor Alan Fenwick described the amazing life cycles of some of Africa’s most prevalent parasitic infections including schistosomiasis. Professor Fenwick explained how Imperial is coming together with the philanthropic community and pharmaceutical industry to deliver treatments to the communities afflicted with these diseases.  

As well as lectures, alumni had the opportunity to take part in tours of both the South Kensington and St Mary’s campuses. In addition to these tours, groups of 15 were taken up the 324 steps of the Queen’s Tower, many recalling ascents from their student days and some climbing for the first time. Once at the top, the general consensus was that the views from Tower were well worth the climb.

This year also saw the special opening of the underground network of tunnels beneath the South Kensington Campus. Two small groups were taken into the tunnels for 45 minute tours, a first of its kind to feature at an Alumni Reunion.

The day’s events were drawn to a close at the reunion dinner, which was held in the newly refurbished Main Dining Hall. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and musical entertainment from a student jazz band before either parting ways or retiring for the night in College accommodation. 

Judy Beard, Director of Development, commented: “Four months into my role as Development Director, the reunion was a perfect opportunity for me to meet and greet Imperial alumni from six decades and 18 countries.  Fascinating they were too.  With glorious weather and a rousing opener from Sir Adrian Johns, the day was set fair. Judging by the feedback, alumni thought so too.”