From Geneva to Paris to Oxford: a week of celebrations for Wadham alumni

As Trinity term drew to a close, we gathered with alumni from across the years at events that took us from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Ambassador’s Residence in Paris and, finally, back to Oxford.

It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and mark the end of the academic year by celebrating all that makes Wadham special.

Our first stop was Geneva, where Deputy Development Director Barney Norman met with alumni at our first Wadham Wednesday in Switzerland.

Alumni from different subjects and year groups gathered at FRED Bar on the shores of Lake Geneva to connect (and reconnect) with Wadham friends. The bar even set up a screen so their English guests could keep tabs on the World Cup.

Continuing the tradition of Wadham Wednesdays, it was a lovely evening filled with good conversation and a hint of Wadham nostalgia.

Two days later the Wadham community came together again for a lunchtime reception at the British Ambassador's Residence in Paris.

The Warden, Robert Hannigan, his wife Celia, Development Director Julie Hage and Deputy Development Director Barney Norman joined alumni and their guests in beautiful grounds on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Joining as part of their summer tour, Wadham Chapel Choir and their Director of Music Hannah Zaki performed for guests in the gardens under sunny skies.

Music, food, friends and the beautiful setting made for a very memorable occasion. We are grateful to the British Ambassador to France, Sir Thomas Drew, for kindly hosting us.

The week concluded back in Oxford at the Benefactors’ Garden Party, as alumni and guests gathered in the Private Fellows’ Garden to celebrate their enduring connection to the college.

The Warden, his wife Celia and Development Director Julie Hage made the journey home from Paris to thank alumni for their extraordinary support, which, as ever, truly sets Wadham apart.

The youngest guests made good use of the bouncy castle and lawns while others enjoyed the chance to catch up and reconnect in the shade of the trees.

In his speech to the gathering, the Warden acknowledged the world-leading work taking place in Oxford and at Wadham, against a backdrop of technological change and economic uncertainty. He reflected that, in this climate, the tutorial system and independent thinking are becoming more important than ever, and encouraged us all to come together to protect this form of education for future generations.

We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many of you across the week, in beautiful cities and in beautiful weather, and look forward to meeting again in the autumn.