ECS alumni reconnect at 2015 London reception

Around 180 alumni from across 55 years of ECS history attended our London alumni reception on Tuesday 12 May. The event, which has been held annually in recent years, enables ECS alumni based in London and surrounding areas to meet fellow graduates and ECS staff, and to hear about latest developments in the University and especially in Electronics and Computer Science.

This year’s event was held for the second year in BMA House, Tavistock Square, the headquarters of the British Medical Association. The most senior alumnus present was Professor Anthony Davies, who graduated BSc Electrical Engineering in 1961 and is now an Emeritus Professor of Kings College London. Also present was Mike Payne, one of the founders of SolidWorks, who graduated in 1965. Every decade of the School’s history was represented, with an especially good attendance by recent graduates.

In his address, Professor Neil White, Head of Electronics and Computer Science, reminded alumni that there are many ways of being involved with ECS and its students, including the 'ECS Alumni, University of Southampton' group on LinkedIn, which now has over 1500 members. "Our current students really benefit from the interest and continuing involvement in the School of significant numbers of alumni who take part in the Careers Fair, give presentations in ECS, and sponsor projects and prizes. We very much value these contributions and the successful interactions that result."

In addition to networking and meeting friends and colleagues, alumni were able to hear a presentation by Principal Enterprise Fellow Dr Reuben Wilcock, about Future Worlds, an exciting new project for ECS and the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering. Future Worlds - to be launched officially later this year - will provide a range of opportunities enabling alumni to be involved in student enterprise and activities as mentors, investors, employers, and supporters. It will also offer involvement in all business-related and entrepreneurial activities in ECS, as well as providing wide-ranging information on the people, the events and new ventures that are making the running in exploiting new technologies.

Alumni wanting to be involved in Future Worlds can email future@ecs.soton.ac.uk to register their interest and to find out more.