Photographs from the day

Over 550 graduates, guests and staff attended this year’s Homecoming event at the University of Leicester on 2nd July 2011.  The wonderful Summer weather meant that  adults and children alike could enjoy a fun-filled and educational day of talks, tours, demonstrations and workshops – all completely free. Even more alumni brought their families to enjoy the children’s rides, a lunchtime magic show, a teddy bear hospital, face painting and balloon modelling – and free ice cream created by the Cool Chemists!

The day kicked off at 10.00am with a keynote lecture by our very own Bible expert, Professor Gordon Campbell from the Department of English. Professor Campbell’s must-see lecture explored how the King James Version Bible has influenced poets, playwrights, novelists and politicians over the centuries, and more recently even advertisers, Hollywood and hip-hop, and provided a fascinating insight into how the language of the translation is still used today.

During the morning, graduates from the 1980s could attend a Lost Alumni Breakfast, where they could catch up with fellow alumni and reminisce about their time as students and reflect upon how much has changed on campus over the past 30 years.  

To mark the 90th Anniversary of the founding of University College, Leicester, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess hosted a special lunch for all those who graduated between 1940 and 1958. Those who attended had a wonderful time, enjoying a delightful meal in the company of old friends, and sharing their memories of their days at University College, Leicester, encouraged by the pictures and press cuttings featured in the archive display.     

A packed programme of mini lectures and demonstrations throughout the rest of day included: tours of the Space Research Centre and the Library; Memories of the Students’ Union and Rag Week 1959-63 with former SU President Mike Judge; hands-on demonstrations in the Medical School and Engineering; and workshops at Embrace Arts and Museum Studies.

In the afternoon, donors to the Annual Fund were given the opportunity to meet and hear from some of our current students who have benefitted from bursaries supported by our alumni. The day concluded with the Vice-Chancellor’s Review and a chance for guests to relax in the Students' Union bar, The Scholar.

Mark Charlton attended Homecoming with his son and wrote about their day. Read about Homecoming 2011 from a graduate's viewpoint.

Prize Draw Winners were randomly selected on the day. The lucky winners were:

G Coombs - signed copy of "Refelections of the University of Leicester" by Professor Sir Robert Burgess and Joanne Wood

H Hughes - Tickets for the Philharmonica Orchestra at De Montfort Hall

M Lilly - Tickets to the Mind, Body, Soul Exhibition at Olympia in London

D Harwood - signed copy of "The Story of the King James Version 1611-2011" by Professor Gordon Campbell

D Lukes - University of Leicester Hooded Top and Child's ticket to Twycross Zoo

Photographs from the day are available to view.