Coming together in Greece, Italy and Spain

UCL is home to a diverse European community, including more than 42,000 alumni. Following events in Western and Central Europe earlier in the year, in October 2024 UCL hosted a series of alumni receptions in Southern Europe – from Greece to Italy and finishing in Spain – to celebrate and strengthen these important connections. 

Greek connections 

In Athens, Ergon House was the venue for a fantastic alumni reception in the historical heart of Athens. It was a welcome return to social activities for the UCL Hellenic Alumni Group, which has been active since the early 2000s.   

New foundations 

Travelling on from Greece, the UCL Alumni Relations team visited two destinations with burgeoning alumni communities: Milan and Madrid. These were the first UCL alumni receptions to be held in these cities. 

In Milan, more than 40 alumni gathered at the elegant Giardino Cordusio for an evening of connecting and celebrating. At Madrid’s Younique Arts Club, 25 alumni came together for an exclusive social event. The gatherings laid the groundwork for establishing alumni groups in these cities. 

Forming networks 

At all three alumni receptions, attendees had the opportunity to catch up on the latest UCL news and celebrate their shared connections. New friends were made, professional networks were expanded, and insightful conversations were had about future events – including UCL’s upcoming bicentennial celebrations. In addition, an intimate dinner in Greece for alumni working in the shipping industry provided a fantastic network opportunity. 

Andy Stirups, Senior Alumni and Supporter Relations Manager, said: “It was wonderful to connect with our alumni in Athens, Madrid and Milan as we continue to energise and grow UCL’s alumni communities in cities across Europe. We hope the events gave alumni the chance to reminisce about their time at UCL and brought a taste of London much closer to home. We look forward to these groups organising more activity in the future, particularly in 2026 when UCL will be marking its bicentenary, so watch this space.”

Build your community

If you are an alum based in mainland Europe and would like to volunteer for your local alumni group, contact Andy Stirups, Senior Alumni and Supporter Relations Manager: a.stirups@ucl.ac.uk 

Read more

• Celebrating UCL’s alumni community across Europe
•  Find an alumni group near you 

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• Top: UCL Madrid Alumni reception at Younique Arts Club, Madrid