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Van Mildert 60
Archive photography of Van Mildert College 1960s

Van Mildert College marks 60th anniversary with alumni reunion

VM60 reunion event in Durham at Van Mildert Bar

More than 320 alumni returned to Van Mildert College in July for a weekend of conversation, reconnection and celebration, marking 60 years since the College was founded.

Spanning graduating years from 1968 to 2024, the three-day event brought together a wide range of Mildertians to take part in a varied programme reflecting both the College’s history and its evolving community.

Van Mildert reunion eventProgramme of events

The weekend opened with a drinks reception for past and present staff, offering a chance for colleagues across generations to catch up. Graduates from the 1960s held a dedicated meet-up, while the JCR foyer hosted a photo exhibition showcasing memories from each decade of College life.

Alumnus John Emmett created a popular exhibition space featuring a replica 1960s student bedroom, complete with period furniture and details familiar to many of the College’s earliest members.

Across the weekend, alumni joined in a range of activities including a Cathedral tour and bell tower climb, an ecological tour of the lake, and a College pub quiz. Music featured throughout, with sets from alumnus DJ John B and a dulcimer performance by Dan Evans.

The Van Mildert Association (VMA) also held its Annual General Meeting during the event, welcoming returning members and new faces.

Formal dinner and guest speaker

Saturday evening featured a drinks reception and formal dinner, where guests heard from Jonathan Edwards CBE, Olympic gold medallist and long-time friend of the College. His reflections touched on community, legacy and the changing landscape of university life. The evening concluded with dancing in the JCR Well, where music and conversation continued into the night.

  

University student
When I was training for the Olympics, my faith was very strong and, I kept being reminded of Van Mildert’s motto: sic vos non vobis – this we do, not for ourselves and I realised I wasn’t jumping for myself, I was jumping for my faith and my family.
Jonathan Edwards CBE
Van Mildert (1984-87), Olympic gold medallist

Alumni attendance

The event welcomed 326 alumni and was one of the largest gatherings in the College’s recent history, and an opportunity to celebrate the many people who have shaped Van Mildert over six decades.

For more information: 

 Or contact us on vm-development@durham.ac.uk.