International alumni celebrate 25-year reunion at University campus

A group of graduates travelled from Malaysia to visit the University of Wolverhampton to mark twenty-five years since graduating.

The former students, who were members of the Class of 1997, toured the University’s Telford and City Campuses to reminisce about their university experience and learn about the investment that has been made to improve the facilities and learning for current students.

Many of the students lived in student accommodation at Telford Campus and shared many memories including learning to cook, celebrating national holidays and hosting festivals as well as interacting with students from a variety of different cultures.

Vathana Bathmanathan, who studied Business Administration, and is now a senior lecturer in Malaysia, also hosted a guest lecturer to marketing students currently studying at the Wolverhampton Business School, during her visit.

Vathana said: “I’m so glad to be back here after 25 years, I think the fact that we have travelled thousands of miles from home to be here today shows just how much love we have for the campus.

“I have so many fond memories of the University, it feels very emotional to be back. The campus looks amazing, I’m so impressed with the investment that has been made, especially in the School of Engineering.

“I feel so proud to be an alumna of the University and to be sharing my experience with current students. The University didn’t just give me a degree, it moulded me to be the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Shariza Saumi, also studied Business Administration before studying for her Masters in International Business Management.

Shariza, from Kuala Lumpur, said: “I’m very excited to be back, it feels very nostalgic to be back on campus and see my halls of residence.

“The experience I had here and the way the lecturers encouraged me and boosted my confidence have been crucial for my career.

“Looking back at my time here, I loved learning about different cultures and the relationships and friendships I built along the way. I would recommend anyone to study at the University of Wolverhampton – the experience they will have will be priceless.”

David Wedge, Alumni Relations Manager at the University, said: “We were delighted to welcome our alumni back to the region to mark this special anniversary. Their time at university means that much to them that they chose to fly halfway around the world to revisit the University and celebrate with us, and that make us very proud and extremely honoured. Our alumni are our greatest ambassadors and hearing about their fond memories and the achievements that they go on to, is priceless.”

The graduates were also treated to a special dinner to celebrate their visit to the University where they were joined by other alumni from the Class of '97, who live in the UK.