Summer Highlights of Alumni Reunions
Summer 2025 was a vibrant period for Newcastle University’s alumni community. From the 55th‑anniversary celebration of Civil Engineering graduates to the 60th‑year reunion of the Dental School, alumni returned to campus for themed events that mixed historic visits, professional networking, and festive dinners. The university’s dedicated reunions team worked to reconnect former classmates, provide logistical support, and offer exclusive alumni discounts on accommodation and dining.
Planning Your Own Reunion
Choosing the Right Theme and Date
Successful reunions begin with a clear focus. Deciding whether you want a casual coffee catch‑up, an all‑day campus tour, or a week‑long event will shape every other detail. Alumni from the 1965 Geography cohort chose a “diamond dinner” paired with a guided field trip through Newcastle’s post‑war architecture. Similarly, the 1975 Medical School alumni had a half‑day at the Anatomy Suite before heading to the city’s historic attractions.
When setting a date, consider major academic calendar events, local festivals, and holiday periods that may affect travel. For example, the 50th‑anniversary dinner for the Economics and Accounting class fell just before the university’s convocation, allowing a natural link to the campus’s own celebrations.
Inviting Alumni and Sending Invitations
Locating long‑lost classmates can be daunting, but Newcastle’s “Find a Friend” service makes this easier. Reach out through the alumni network portal, or start with a social media post on the university’s LinkedIn page to invite leads. Once you have a core group, the reunions team can draft personalised invitations and handle RSVP tracking.
Discover how to use the Find a Friend tool and turn your reunion idea into a list of confirmed attendees.
Choosing Venues and Activities in Newcastle
Newcastle offers a variety of venues suited to different reunion sizes. The historic Blackfriars restaurant, mentioned by Civil Engineering alumni, remains an intimate spot for dinner. Larger groups might prefer the Quayside hotels such as the Vermont Hotel, where the university provides alumni discounts. For day‑long itineraries, the university can facilitate student‑led campus tours – a feature that many alumni appreciated after years of study.
If you’re looking to incorporate local culture, consider a food tour of Grainger Market or a half‑day excursion to the Tyne Bridge, the kind of activity that drew the Surveying Science class. Many alumni found that blending academic history with local attractions creates lasting memories.
Apply for a discounted stay at a Newcastle hotel and keep costs down for your guests.
Discounts and Perks for Alumni
Beyond accommodation, alumni can enjoy exclusive dining rates at campus eateries and early‑bird pricing for city events. The university’s alumni portal lists each available discount. When you plan your agenda, factor in these savings to make a larger, more engaging event without breaking the budget.
Explore all alumni discounts here.
Success Stories from 2025
- Civil Engineering – 55th Anniversary (1970): 55 graduates toured the Tyne Bridge renewal project and dined at Blackfriars, concluding with a night in a discounted Quayside hotel.
- Dental School – 60th Celebration: 15 dental alumni met, toured Cragside, and dined at the Copthorne Hotel. Highlights included a guided tour to the school’s historic lecture rooms.
- Economics & Accounting – 50th Anniversary: 50 alumni experienced a campus tour, lunch at Khai Khai, and a day trip to Tynemouth.
- Medical School – 50th Anniversary (1975): 32 participants toured the anatomy suite, heard updates from Professor Paul Paes, and shared memories at a dinner organized by the university’s event team.
- Surveying & Geology – 40th Anniversary (1985): Graduates celebrated in a city food tour of Grainger Market and shared stories over lunch.
- French – 1970s Alumni: Eight participants returned to the campus to observe structural changes and shared experiences.
- Medical School – Class of 2005 – 20th Anniversary in 3sixty Hadrian’s Tower: 17 doctors enjoyed panoramic views and a live Q&A on career transitions.
- Geography – 60th Anniversary (1965): 16 alumni dined at a local venue and explored the city’s post‑war planning initiatives.
Benefits of Reconnecting
Reunions are more than nostalgia. They strengthen professional networks, create mentorship opportunities, and provide a platform to discuss industry changes. The 2025 alumni events also offered updated briefings on university research, allowing attendees to stay connected with cutting‑edge developments. For instance, the Dental School reunion highlighted advancements in dental imaging technology – a dialogue that many attendees found valuable.
Get In Touch
If you plan to organise a reunion or want to learn more about how Newcastle can support your event, contact the reunions team directly:
Email [email protected] or call +44 (0)191 208 6000.
Use the internal alumni portal to update your details, request event listings, or schedule a campus tour with an available student guide.
Planning your gathering has never been easier. From locating classmates and securing venues to applying alumni discounts, Newcastle’s reunions team is ready to help you make the most of your anniversary.
Plan your alumni reunion today – and enjoy a memorable return to the city that once shaped your educational journey.
Share your own reunion stories or suggest ideas for future events in the comments below. Let’s keep the spirit of community alive across generations of Newcastle University graduates.
Looking forward to celebrating with you soon.
