1974 Business Studies Reunion

Business Studies alumni reunite on campus for the first time since their 1974 Graduation

A group of graduates recently planned a reunion trip to Newcastle and to visit the Northumbria University campus for the first time since they graduated over 40 years ago. Pete Wilkin, John Tolhurst, Richard Ball, Martin McNally, Chris Walwyn-James and Chris Barsby were part of a small cohort of students who completed the Business Studies degree in 1974 at what was then the Newcastle Polytechnic. Chris Barsby was unfortunately unable to join the reunion in-person but was still involved virtually through video calling all the way from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia! 

With the help of the University’s Advancement team, the group enjoyed a half-day visit to campus to reminisce and see how things have changed since they were students in the 1970s.

They started the day at the Students’ Union, recalling various gigs and student nights they would attend during their university years, followed by a tour of Student Central and the Library, which has developed significantly since their time spent there writing assignments and reading up for exams...

Later, they had a look around what was the Business School building back then, Northumberland Building, followed by a walk over to City Campus East and the current location of Newcastle Business School, where they got a glimpse into the modern lecture theatres and the Bloomberg Trading Room which current students have access to.

After their campus visit the friends carried on with their weekend plans of a bike ride at the coast, making the most of their luck with the sunny weather, and then went to a Newcastle Falcons rugby match that evening.

The group thoroughly enjoyed the visit and walking around campus, which together brought back many memories they had not had in a while. Pete Wilkin said: “We all had a very enjoyable weekend and the tour of the University was a real highlight.”

If you would like to host a reunion to get together with your friends and connections from your time at the University, get in touch with us for information or assistance: alumni@northumbria.ac.uk.