From Friday 2 to Sunday 4 September, University of Sussex alumni had the opportunity to catch up with old friends at the grand finale Alumni Reunion Weekend. 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 and a drinks reception with the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil.

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.

Sussex’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil says: “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 paid tribute to alumni who had come from across the globe, including those from Europe, Ghana, Canada, the United States, Singapore, and even from Brighton and Hove. Alumna, Louise Ellis told us: “The VC’s speech made you feel proud to be part of a university that cares about global issues and climate change. I worked as a journalist after Sussex and I continued to want to create change in a positive way."