Welcome to the first e-bulletin of 2009. This is a momentous year for the University, as we celebrate our foundation 800 years ago. Every alumnus and alumna is a part of the Cambridge story, and whether you visit Cambridge this year, take part in an event or simply follow the 800th anniversary through the website or in the press, we hope that you will feel part of the celebrations.
The year will see a wide range of activities and events taking place in Cambridge and around the world to mark the anniversary. The celebrations were launched in front of more than 10,000 people on 17 January, the first Saturday of term, with a spectacular light show projected onto the Senate House and Old Schools, accompanied by peals from the bells of Great St Mary's and other central Cambridge churches. Alumni took the lead in ensuring bells were also rung in churches around the world, including America, Japan, Syria, Canada, South Africa, India, Costa Rica and Australia.
The Cambridge Alumni Relations Office (CARO) was officially launched by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Richard, at a reception in the Regent House Combination Room on 12 February. Over one hundred people marked the occasion, including members of the Cambridge University Alumni Relations team, the Development Office, leading members of the Cambridge Society Executive Committee and the local Cambridge Society Committee, College and Departmental alumni relations professionals and a wide range of people who work closely with CARO.
As the University celebrates its 800th anniversary we are delighted to acknowledge the commitment to Alumni Relations that the University has made by the establishment of this new Office. Over the course of 2009 there will be a number of new developments in what we offer alumni and we look forward to receiving your input and feedback throughout.
The third Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign Report was published this month and reports that to 31 July 2008, the Colleges and University had raised £801m towards the milestone of £1 billion.
Alumni and guests are invited to an evening entitled Collecting Art - Business or Pleasure? at Simmons & Simmons in London. The occasion will provide a rare opportunity to see the firm's extensive modern and contemporary art collection, the aim of which over the years has been to provide young artists with a showcase beyond the galleries in which their work is usually seen. The event includes a drinks and canapés reception with talks from Stuart Evans, the inspiration behind the collection and Michael Harrison, Director of Kettle's Yard.
Alumni are invited to celebrate Cambridge's 800th anniversary at a reception and concert during the Göttingen International Handel Festival (Germany). 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Handel's death and the artistic director of the Festival, Nicholas McGegan (Corpus 1969) will also be conducting the Gala Concert dedicated to this most English of German composers. This event is being organised by the German Cambridge Society; for more information contact Dr Heinz Fuchs.
Travel back two centuries to the magical 18th century Drottningholm Palace for a performance of Handel's Orlando, a highlight of the theatre's summer opera festival. The event includes a pre-concert talk and reception with artistic director Mark Tatlow (Corpus 1973) and Nicholas McGegan (Corpus 1969) and private back- and below-stage tours.
Cambridge in America is marking the 800th anniversary with an exciting year-long programme of events for alumni and friends across the country to join in recognising and celebrating the University's achievements and history of excellence.
The University is marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin with events throughout the year. Details of these can be seen on the University website.
The Darwin Festival takes place in Cambridge between 5-10 July.
Alumni and their families visiting Cambridge in March can explore science past and present at the annual Science Festival. The Festival, the biggest yet, is co-ordinated by the University of Cambridge and offers more than 160 free events for all ages, from hands-on events to talks, lectures and tours.
The Institute of Continuing Education at Madingley Hall have introduced a series of new Cambridge-specific themed day schools for 2009 to tie in with the 800th anniversary.
A Reunion Dinner for former students of Modern Greek (Tripos, Certificate, Diploma, postgraduate) will be held at Selwyn College on Saturday 16 May. For further information and an invitation, please contact Professor David Holton no later than 31 March.
Alumni and guests are invited by the President and Committee of the Cambridge University Land Society to attend a unique celebration of the 800th Anniversary. This event, which is open to all, is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Cambridge students past and present to bring family and friends for a private Evensong in the magnificent setting of King's College Chapel, followed by dinner and dancing to Fitz Swing on the Back Lawn, overlooking the river. 800 places have been set to mark the 800 years, and reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. For further information see the website or email culandsoc@warnersbsl.co.uk
GEEMA (Group to Encourage Ethnic Minority Applications) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. If you have been involved with GEEMA in any way the Group would love to hear from you and would like to invite you to come and celebrate with them this summer. For more details please contact the GEEMA Coordinator, Mark Copestake or call +44 (0)1223 330873.
Coming back to Cambridge for business or pleasure? Madingley Hall offers University Alumni special rates on accommodation. Home to the University's Institute of Continuing Education, the sixteenth century Hall has a total of 61 bedrooms. All rooms are fully en-suite with digital televisions and internet access with delightful views over the Hall's courtyard, woods and gardens. For further information and to book, please contact Clare Bannister on + 44 (0) 1954 280286.
Judge Business School is launching a new Executive MBA in September, building on the success and reputation of their full-time Cambridge MBA programme. The Executive MBA will offer the same breadth of business skills, practical relevance and global outlook as the full-time course but will be ideal for those who wish to continue working while studying.
Judge Business School will be attending a series of MBA fairs in Europe in March, as well as hosting information sessions in London throughout the spring and summer - please register if you wish to attend.
There are over 250 Cambridge alumni groups around the world, running events, activities and reunions and providing an ideal way of staying in touch. To find a group in your area, see the alumni website. There are many new groups currently being set up; for the most up-to-date listings and contact information visit the News and Noticeboard areas.
Can you help us? We have received enquiries about a number of alumni and unfortunately do not hold any current contact details for them. If you know any alumni on the list, please do forward this email and encourage them to contact the Alumni Office. We are also able to help put alumni who have lost touch with one another in contact again; please see the website for details.