On Saturday 10 May 2025, the University of Greenwich will host its first ever alumni reunion, and will welcome Matthew Mees, Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College, as the keynote speaker.
Taking place on the historic Old Royal Naval College (ORNC), which is home to the Greenwich campus, the keynote will celebrate 100 years of film at this world-famous heritage site.
Matthew Mees will take alumni of the university on a captivating journey through the site’s rich cinematic history. From Hollywood blockbusters to beloved British dramas, the ORNC continues to host an incredible array of film and television productions – and now, alumni will get a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic backdrop has made its mark on the screen.
From major productions such as the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Napoleon’, ‘Four weddings and Funeral’ and many more, the ORNC is one of the most iconic movie landmarks in all of London.
Through our partnership with ORNC, we are thrilled to bring this opportunity to our alumni. Minh Lam, Deputy Head of Alumni & Regular Giving:
As Chief Executive of ORNC, Matthew Mees will bring an immense amount of insights and storytelling. Our partnership with the ORNC represents a convergence of heritage – with the alumni reunion celebrating the University of Greenwich’s own heritage, bringing together alumni from Woolwich Polytechnic, Thames Polytechnic and the University of Greenwich. Through this collaboration, we honour this rich legacy while creating meaningful connections that inspire our alumni community.”
In addition, all reunion attendees will receive free access to the Painted Hall during the day of the reunion. Often referred to as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’, the Painted Hall is a Baroque masterpiece. Designed by Sir James Thornhill and completed in 1726, it offers a breath-taking glimpse into Britain’s artistic and architectural heritage.
Who should attend?
This year’s alumni reunion is open to individuals who studied at Woolwich Polytechnic, Thames Polytechnic, or the University of Greenwich before 2000.
David Crocker (BA International Marketing, 1976) was one of the first alumnus to reach out to the Alumni & Fundraising team about the reunion, providing advice and insights on organising the event:
The alumni reunion is an opportunity to catch up with my contemporaries – many whom I have not seen for many years – and to witness how I’ve been a part of this legacy. Having maintained reunions with my classmates, I’ve experienced firsthand the value of these connections. This reunion not only celebrates our shared past but allows us to see the current education environment and the university’s role in further education, and to see if we can support in some measure.
Tickets are available and are selling fast. Book now to avoid disappointment.
To purchase your ticket, please visit the alumni reunion event page.
What else is happening on the day?
The event promises to be a vibrant day of connection, nostalgia, and celebration – complete with an update about the university, campus tours, taster sessions, and a raffle supporting the Greenwich Annual Fund, which aids students facing financial hardship.
The event will feature a welcome and update from Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, along with taster sessions from our renown academics:
Paul McCrone, Professor in Health Economics, will cover some of the work of the Institute for Lifecourse Development and its seven Centres. It will emphasise the diversity of research conducted and how we work with key stakeholders external to the university. Recent examples of work using economic methods in the healthcare area will be presented.
Andrew Knight-Hill, Professor of Music & Sound Arts, and Gianluca Tozzi, Professor in Industrial Engineering, on their cross-faculty project bringing together research on multi-dimensional sonification of bone tissue from X-ray tomography image.
Olive Mag Gingrich, Associate Professor in Animation
For those looking to continue the celebration into the evening, a drinks reception and buffet dinner will take place in the stunning surroundings of the Old Royal Naval College.
On Saturday 10 May 2025, the University of Greenwich will host its first ever alumni reunion, and will welcome Matthew Mees, Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College, as the keynote speaker.
Taking place on the historic Old Royal Naval College (ORNC), which is home to the Greenwich campus, the keynote will celebrate 100 years of film at this world-famous heritage site.
Matthew Mees will take alumni of the university on a captivating journey through the site’s rich cinematic history. From Hollywood blockbusters to beloved British dramas, the ORNC continues to host an incredible array of film and television productions – and now, alumni will get a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic backdrop has made its mark on the screen.
From major productions such as the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Napoleon’, ‘Four weddings and Funeral’ and many more, the ORNC is one of the most iconic movie landmarks in all of London.
Through our partnership with ORNC, we are thrilled to bring this opportunity to our alumni. Minh Lam, Deputy Head of Alumni & Regular Giving:
As Chief Executive of ORNC, Matthew Mees will bring an immense amount of insights and storytelling. Our partnership with the ORNC represents a convergence of heritage – with the alumni reunion celebrating the University of Greenwich’s own heritage, bringing together alumni from Woolwich Polytechnic, Thames Polytechnic and the University of Greenwich. Through this collaboration, we honour this rich legacy while creating meaningful connections that inspire our alumni community.”
In addition, all reunion attendees will receive free access to the Painted Hall during the day of the reunion. Often referred to as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’, the Painted Hall is a Baroque masterpiece. Designed by Sir James Thornhill and completed in 1726, it offers a breathtaking glimpse into Britain’s artistic and architectural heritage.
Who should attend?
This year’s alumni reunion is open to individuals who studied at Woolwich Polytechnic, Thames Polytechnic, or the University of Greenwich before 2000.
David Crocker (BA International Marketing, 1976) was one of the first alumnus to reach out to the Alumni & Fundraising team about the reunion, providing advice and insights on organising the event:
The alumni reunion is an opportunity to catch up with my contemporaries – many whom I have not seen for many years – and to witness how I’ve been a part of this legacy. Having maintained reunions with my classmates, I’ve experienced firsthand the value of these connections. This reunion not only celebrates our shared past but allows us to see the current education environment and the university’s role in further education, and to see if we can support in some measure.
Tickets are available and are selling fast. Book now to avoid disappointment.
To purchase your ticket, please visit the alumni reunion event page.
What else is happening on the day?
The event promises to be a vibrant day of connection, nostalgia, and celebration – complete with an update about the university, campus tours, taster sessions, and a raffle supporting the Greenwich Annual Fund, which aids students facing financial hardship.
The event will feature a welcome and update from Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, along with taster sessions from our renown academics:
Paul McCrone, Professor in Health Economics, will cover some of the work of the Institute for Lifecourse Development and its seven Centres. It will emphasise the diversity of research conducted and how we work with key stakeholders external to the university. Recent examples of work using economic methods in the healthcare area will be presented.
Andrew Knight-Hill, Professor of Music & Sound Arts, and Gianluca Tozzi, Professor in Industrial Engineering, on their cross-faculty project bringing together research on multi-dimensional sonification of bone tissue from X-ray tomography image.
Olive Mag Gingrich, Associate Professor in Animation
