From alumni lunches and afternoon teas, to getting back to the University sports field – discover all that went on during May as alumni returned to campus to mark our centenary year.
May proved to be a vibrant and memorable month, as we marked our centenary with a series of special events celebrating community, connection and shared history.
As part of the University’s centenary celebrations, this year’s special Centenary Community Festival brought together our alumni community for a weekend filled with connection, celebration and a trip down memory lane. We also saw alumni and current students battle it out at our special Centenary Alumni Varsity.
A weekend of celebration
Held across Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May, the Centenary Community Festival brought Whiteknights campus to life – with alumni at the heart of the celebrations.
Throughout the weekend, over 130 graduates returned to Reading to take part in a range of dedicated alumni activities. Graduates revisited the Students’ Union for a lunch reception and alumni quiz and stepped into the archives at the Reading Town Hall for afternoon tea and a University history lecture.
Agnes Gibson, Head of Campaign and Supporter Engagement, said:
“It was particularly special to see such a breadth of generations represented, with alumni spanning more than seven decades – from those who graduated in 1959 to members of last year’s cohort.”
After exploring the wider festival alumni reconvened for the Centenary Alumni Quiz. Led by staff member and professional quizmaster Ryan, the quiz combined general knowledge with Reading-themed rounds that tested both memory and local pride. From identifying iconic campus landmarks to tackling playful anagrams. Teams worked together as they enjoyed sharing their knowledge and expertise from their time at Reading.
Afternoon Tea in Reading Town Hall
After Saturday’s excitement, Sunday offered a traditional afternoon tea held in the elegant surroundings of Reading Town Hall.
The space served as the perfect backdrop for the University of Reading history lecture, delivered by our director of archive services, Guy Baxter, who guided guests through key milestones in Reading’s story. Archival photographs sparked recognition and storytelling, prompting lively exchanges of memory and experience across the room.
Among the many highlights were spontaneous reunions between friends who had not seen each other in years, a reminder of the lasting connections formed during time spent at Reading.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the weekend so special. Whether reconnecting with old friends, forging new friendships, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it was a joyful celebration of all that it means to be part of the University of Reading.
A century of spirit
On Saturday 30 May, Whiteknights campus came alive with the unmistakable sights and sounds of sport as alumni, students, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the University of Reading’s centenary in a special Alumni Varsity event.
From the first whistle through to the final matches late in the afternoon, the campus buzzed with energy. Across pitches, courts and halls, former teammates reunited, old rivalries were reignited, and new connections were forged.
Spectators moved between badminton rallies, fiercely contested football fixtures, and spirited matches of tennis, futsal, softball and lacrosse. Whether watching from the sidelines or stepping back onto the field of play, alumni embraced the chance to relive their University sporting days – and, in many cases, discovered that their competitive edge was still very much intact.
University of Reading’s, Community Engagement Manager, Molli Cleaver shared her reflections.
“Sports and societies have long been at the heart of the student experience at Reading, fostering friendships, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
“The Alumni Varsity brought this legacy into sharp focus, highlighting how these connections endure far beyond graduation. Seeing generations come together to share in something they love was a powerful testament to the lasting impact of university life.”
Dress for the occasion
For both our Centenary Community Festival and Alumni Varsity, we have created specially made-to-order merchandise which you can purchase to mark and celebrate the centenary. All funds raised go directly to our centenary fund.
Discover our centenary inspired merchandise
Return to campus
We were delighted to welcome so many of our alumni to campus throughout May. As a reminder, our Whiteknights campus grounds are open to the public throughout the year. Alumni also have access to special discounts on campus facilities, including a 50% discount on library access, discounted gym memberships and use of our Sports Park facilities. If you have remained close to Reading, don’t forget to make use of your alumni status.
Find out more about the benefits available to you
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