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Societies and reunions

Join or create an alumni society. Organise a reunion, or attend an event to keep in touch with your classmates. We’ll help you reconnect with friends, celebrate your journey, and promote the events and activities you want to be part of.

A graduate wearing mortarboard, graduation robes and sunglasses, looking up at the sky

Alumni societies are a fantastic way to stay connected and strengthen lifelong ties with the University community. Led by alumni volunteers, these groups are open to all our graduates and can take many different forms, from professional networks to social circles. They provide opportunities for social, intellectual, and professional networking, while also helping members celebrate and share their university memories.

Society themes can include:

  • Location (regional or international groups)
  • Shared interests
  • Sports
  • Course or subject
  • Industry or profession

Every society is unique. Some are large and formal, while others are smaller and more informal. All are welcome.

How to start your own society

  • Check feasibility: Make sure there's interest in forming a group
  • Create a leadership team: Gather a group of committed alumni
  • Review the terms of reference and sign the Alumni Society registration form(opens in new tab)
  • Write a mission statement: Outline your purpose and objectives. Then gain approval from the Development and Alumni Office
  • Commit to activity: Plan at least one event per year and two communications/mailings
  • Build interest and spread the word
  • Launch your society
  • Run your activities: Host events, share updates, and engage members
  • Stay in touch with us: Keep us updated and share records of your members and events

If you’d like more information or would like to arrange an informal chat with a member of our team, contact us at alumni@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

How to organise a reunion

If you want to reconnect with your former classmates, we can help you coordinate a reunion. Email alumni@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll help you to plan the type of reunion you want.

Don't forget to let us know the details afterwards – we love hearing about your get togethers and seeing your pictures!

Campus tours

Many of our alumni enjoy visiting us for a campus tour. If you'd like to revisit familiar places and learn how the University has changed over the years, contact us at alumni@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) to make a booking.

Hope Winch

Hope Winch Society

The Hope Winch Society began in 1984. It was set up with the aim of keeping our pharmacy graduates in contact. The Society is free to join and we encourage all students and staff to get involved and promote the proud history of our Pharmacy school.

Events include quizzes, networking sessions, an annual lecture, and the Hope Winch Annual Reunion Dinner. Boasting over 7,000 members, this is the largest alumni society.

Hope Winch Society
Old Langham Tower

Sunderland College of Education Old Students

This alumni group welcomes all who attended Sunderland College of Education during its time as a Teacher Training College. You're invited to our annual reunions, organised by Bridget Andrews (1966-69 cohort). Interested in joining? Contact us, and we'll connect you with Bridget.

Contact us(opens in new tab)
Two psychology students sitting at desks with laptops in front of them in Murray Health during a seminar

Sunderland Psychology Alumni

The Sunderland Psychology Alumni Society was set up with the aim of keeping graduates in contact with each other, the School of Psychology, and the University.

With around 3,000 Psychology graduates already, we look forward to welcoming future graduates to our society.

Sunderland Psychology Alumni