London Alumni Reception
The University of Surrey’s London Alumni Reception took place at the Terrace Pavilion in the House of Commons last week, and brought the University’s alumni community together in one of the UK’s most iconic settings. The reception welcomed more than 150 alumni for an evening dedicated to connection, reflection and shared pride in Surrey.
SurreyLeaders meeting with President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Jarvis
Alumna Zöe Franklin MP, Member of Parliament for Guildford meeting with President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Jarvis
Surrey's President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Jarvis shared his vision for the University.
Patrick Degg, Vice-President, Global at Surrey welcomed guests to the reception at the House of Commons.
Graduates from across the decades, spanning the 1960s through to 2024, gathered to represent the breadth and depth of the Surrey community. With alumni from disciplines including business, engineering, health, economics and the arts, the evening showcased the diversity of Surrey’s graduates and the many paths they’ve followed after university life.
The reception was hosted by Zöe Franklin MP, Member of Parliament for Guildford (BMus Music, 2002) and a Surrey alumna. Speaking candidly about her own journey since graduating in 2002, Zöe reflected on the “wiggly paths” that define modern careers and the value of drawing on a wide range of experiences. Her remarks underline the versatility of a Surrey education and the many directions it can lead.
Members of our alumni community spent the evening celebrating their shared Surrey identity with old friends and new.
Members of our alumni community spent the evening celebrating their shared Surrey identity with old friends and new.
Members of our alumni community spent the evening celebrating their shared Surrey identity with old friends and new.
Members of our alumni community spent the evening celebrating their shared Surrey identity with old friends and new.
Members of our alumni community spent the evening celebrating their shared Surrey identity with old friends and new.
Members of our alumni community spent the evening celebrating their shared Surrey identity with old friends and new.
Patrick Degg, Vice-President, Global at Surrey welcomed guests and Surrey’s global alumni network – now more than 153,000 graduates across 185 countries – was celebrated, with particular recognition of the alumni community in London and the surrounding areas. The evening offered a space to reconnect with old friends, meet fellow graduates and strengthen ties close to home.
The programme also featured reflections from Professor Stephen Jarvis, Surrey’s President and sixth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey. He shared his vision for the University, focusing on leadership, innovation and Surrey’s ambition to make a positive and lasting contribution to society through education, research and global collaboration.
The evening concluded with a networking drinks reception, creating opportunities for conversation, collaboration and renewed connections. Against the backdrop of the House of Commons, alumni celebrated their shared Surrey identity and the strength of a community that continues to support, inspire and shape the world.