From Nepal to New Zealand, China to Colombia, Uganda to the USA, our global alumni community have been marking the University of Reading’s Centenary in style – with reunions and meet-ups taking place all over the world.
As part of this year’s centenary celebrations, alumni from all around the world hosted gatherings to mark and celebrate 100 years since we were granted our Royal Charter and officially became the University of Reading.
Throughout March, a vibrant programme of alumni-led events unfolded worldwide, timed to coincide with the University’s official centenary on 17 March. In total, 27 events were held across 18 countries over 21 days, bringing together more than 270 alumni in a truly global celebration.
Cheers to 100 years
Events took place in cities including Cairo, Seattle, Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Beijing, Muscat, Oxford, and beyond – each one uniquely shaped by its local setting while united by a shared connection to Reading.
Venues ranged from Irish pubs in France and bustling restaurants in Malaysia to hotels, cafés, and even the M&S headquarters in London. In Muscat, alumni gathered in a traditional Omani restaurant designed as a historic fort, where Halwa – a local sweet – was prepared with a special message celebrating 100 years of Reading. As organiser Lubna Al Issaei described, it was “Reading feelings with Omani vibes.”
What made these events truly special was the spirit of volunteerism behind them. A dedicated group of 39 alumni stepped forward to organise gatherings in their regions – coordinating venues, inviting fellow graduates, and ensuring each event was welcoming and memorable.
Rachel Dean, Alumni Volunteering Officer, reflected: “It was so wonderful to see how many of our alumni around the world wanted to get together to celebrate this milestone for the University.
We’re particularly grateful for the alumni hosts who did a fantastic job, the events wouldn’t have been possible without their generous support.”
Across every location, a common thread emerged: a deep sense of nostalgia, pride, and belonging.
In Beijing, organiser Vita Sun captured the atmosphere: “Although we graduated in different years, many of our memories of the campus were surprisingly similar – it almost felt as if different moments in time overlapped.”
Meanwhile in Lagos, organiser Peter Ogudoro shared: “We toasted to amazing years ahead for the University of Reading. We reminisced about our time at Reading, where we all received a world-changing education.”
Some events took on added meaning. In Cairo, alumni gathered at a community charity space where guests contributed to the preparation and distribution of Ramadan food packs for people in need. Reflecting on the experience, organiser Mohamed Khaled Shawky described it as “a very meaningful moment,” combining service with shared reflection on their time at Reading. He added: “We all shared the same feeling — that we would love to go back again.”
Elsewhere, smaller gatherings proved just as impactful. In Dhaka, Dr Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan noted that the relatively small size of the local alumni community made the event “even more meaningful,” while in Swindon, Lloyd James was pleasantly surprised to welcome attendees from across the region. Lloyd shared: “I naively thought the event might just attract people from Swindon who attended the University, so I was surprised to find people from Crawley, London and Newbury attending.”
Dr Caroline Baylon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), highlighted the significance of these global celebrations: “As we celebrate the University of Reading’s Centenary, we’re so proud of our global alumni. It’s been wonderful to see alumni around the world coming together.
“Our alumni are at the heart of this milestone year, and it’s a powerful reminder that the connections and shared experiences you make at Reading really do last a lifetime.”
And there’s more to come…
The celebrations are far from over. The University’s flagship Centenary Community Festival will take place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May.
Enjoy a free weekend out with all the family at our two-day Centenary Community Festival – sponsored by Lloyds. Dive into an exciting mix of free sport sessions, including archery, wheelchair basketball, bubble football, accessible bike rides, Nerf wars, circus skills, Boccia and more! There is something for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
On Sunday, our historic RAG Parade returns for an afternoon of live entertainment, stalls, and the chance to bring students and the community together to raise money for charity. The Parade starts at Broad Street Mall and ends with celebrations at Forbury Gardens.
Find out more and register for the Centenary Community Festival
It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate your shared Reading experience.
