60 Years of Sussex - Alumni Reunion Weekend
Friday 2 September to Sunday 4 September 2022
Those in attendance enjoyed a packed weekend of activities including a series of TEDx-style talks from current academics on subjects including how bees decide which flowers to visit; how our smart fridge might become an ‘informer’; and the new images of Jupiter from the James Webb telescope. Also on offer were campus tours, boundary walks, a pub quiz, a disco in Mandela Hall and a drinks reception with the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil. The weekend ended with an interfaith service in the Meeting House (readings and prayers are linked below).
Alumni also had the chance to explore the ‘Sussex in 60 objects’ exhibition. From architectural gems to bold art, from ceremonial silverware to ‘I love Sussex’ mugs, dozens of objects were selected to reflect Sussex’s history.
The weekend was an opportunity to celebrate the very best of Sussex’s past, present and future.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “Sussex was one of seven new universities built after the Second World War, and seized the opportunity to develop radical new interdisciplinary approaches to higher education. Since then, the University has come to be globally recognised for its innovative and impactful research and teaching. While the higher education landscape has changed enormously over the past six decades, I believe that Sussex has, more than most, stayed true to its roots: authentic, courageous, sometimes outrageous...no one would disagree that it has a very distinctive character. The reunion weekend was a fantastic way to end our 60th celebrations and hear more about what has made Sussex so special to so many.”
The Vice-Chancellor also paid tribute to alumni who had come from across the globe, including those from Europe, Ghana, Canada, the United States, and Singapore.
We hope that you enjoyed the weekend as much as we did.
Alumni Weekend Reunion Links
- View the online programme [PDF]
- View photos from the reunion weekend
- View an online talk by Dr Nicos Georgious (MPS) on probability theory
Tedx style talks:
- First Light with the James Webb Space Telescope - Dr Stephen Wilkins
- How can understanding bee behaviour improve crop pollination? - Dr Beth Nicholls
- Smart Justice: Policing in the Digital Age - Professor Richard Vogler
- Why you should talk to strangers - Dr Gillian Sandstrom
- 'Black At Sussex' - Gavin Mensah-Coker and Valerie Kporye
- Activism in Arts C: From AFRAS to Global Studies - Professor Anke Schwittay
Interfaith service: