Last weekend, UWC Adriatic was delighted to welcome back over 115 alumni for the 30-year reunion, along with some of their loved ones. Although several things have changed at the College since their time here, it was touching to see alumni rejoining and rejoicing in each other’s company as if just weeks – not decades – had intervened.
The College President’s welcome back address, still available on @uwcadriatic on both Facebook and Instagram, illuminated how the College has developed further but, more importantly, emphasised the many aspects of UWC Adriatic that continually make the broader community here proud, particularly following the challenges posed by Covid-19, which, incidentally, delayed both of the reunions that happened this month.
A highlight of the weekend — which undoubtedly encapsulated the unique shared pride and sentiment of enjoying a UWC education in Duino — was the performance ‘Death of an Animal’, directed and performed by the alumni themselves. Unquestionably, the performance and weekend were further enriched by the presence of nearly 80 of our youngest alumni – those who graduated in 20 and 21. The inter-generational discussions were some of the most enlightening, with young alumni volunteering to act, play music or assist during the performance and with both emotional and cultural links forged across generations throughout the weekend. Jordis, from Germany, commented how inspiring it was to see the 30-year alumni still so vibrant and joyful about meeting again and having the same conversations as the younger alumni – including about values and the impact UWC Adriatic has had on their lives “It was really comforting to see that happening and gave me hope for the future”, she commented. These experiences exemplify how — regardless of when they attended the College, or even if the pandemic had directly impacted their time here, as in the case of the younger generations — UWC Adriatic remains a binding experience … particularly when it comes to visiting the Old Castle! Valentina from Italy of the 30-year generations, exclaimed how “The UWC spirit is a ‘bug’ one is happy to never get over”.
One is at loss for words to express the atmosphere of joy and homecoming that pervaded Duino throughout the weekend. Nonetheless, what can undoubtedly be expressed is the College’s gratitude for the generosity of alumni in ensuring that future students have access to the same life-changing and perspective-broadening education they received in Duino.
We would like to thank all who have made generous contributions to ensuring the place of Fikreab – incoming student from Ethiopia – particularly those who engaged in fierce but entertaining bidding wars during the Gala Dinner Auction. Additionally, thank you to the three UWC alumni that made the UWC experience for kids possible.
The alumni who, sadly, could not join us were deeply missed. We look forward to the random visits that often happen when ex students are in this part of the world once again. Here at Adriatic we are looking forward to welcoming back an even larger cohort at the next reunions in 2023! In the meantime, these days we are preparing for and eagerly looking forward to the 10-year Reunion this upcoming weekend.
