Following on from the success of the 30-year reunion, UWC Adriatic saw vast proportions of the 10-year generations return to Duino last weekend. Despite many alumni never visiting since graduation, they instantly assimilated into the College environment and keenly embraced one another. The Reunion celebration also included a trip to an Osmiza – a local farm which opens up to offer their produce and wine and has long been a highlight of the student’s local experience.
Nonetheless, a late Friday night did not prevent thought-provoking discussions on various topics at the plenary session the following morning. Following the official welcome back to Duino by College Secretary General and alumna Valentina Bach, the participants split into three groups, to learn about the financial and environmental status of the College, as well as discussed the impact that UWC Adriatic has gone on to have on their lives. A range of beautiful testimonies was shared, including alumni Franciso Diaz’s insight that the core UWC values are giving to others and demonstrating a variety of ways to attain ‘success’ which can be equally or more fulfilling than conventional ideas. A recurring theme within the stories was the learnt skill of learning from and listening to those around oneself.
Additionally, the discussion progressed to a lively debate and consideration of the UWC National Committee selections of new students, in which many of these alumni now occupy a role. The deep deliberation and scrutiny that the process underwent exemplified how UWC alumni have gained an outward, empathetic outlook on the world, but also the deep connection they retain to the UWC movement, which motivates them to remain involved.
The afternoon’s highlight was opening “Time Capsules” created from their time as students. This is a UWC Adriatic “tradition” started around 12 years ago, whereby before graduating students drop a significant object to remind them of their time in Duino at the 10-year reunion. While thoroughly enjoyable, the time capsules reminded us of late alumni, fondly reminisced by alumni present.
The memories of alumni’s time here at UWC Adriatic were celebrated at the Gala Dinner event on Saturday evening, where tables cheered to reunite again. The former Rettore and teaching duo Peter and Sally Howe (2005-2011) were with us for the Reunion weekend. Peter began the auction proceedings with a lively speech highlighting the privilege and the joy of experiencing a UWC education in Duino and the great endeavours made by the College to preserve Adriatic’s diversity through fundraising for scholarships. Thank you to Sergio Prin and Francesca Serani who led the auctioning and made for a highly enjoyable and successful evening for the scholarship fund, including one of the highest bids offered for a signed apron from our very special Mensa lady Marina Dorsi! This echoed the success of a mixed cassette tape used at Lucchese parties from the 30-year reunion, both examples illuminating how generous our alumni are and how strong their feelings of attachment to the College remain.
The weekend successfully re-ignited alumni connections and ensured the place of Fikreab, an incoming student from Ethiopia. We are grateful to all those who joined us and share the sentiment of many that the weekend flew by. While we continue to spot a few alumni in Duino, we look forward to welcoming back an even larger cohort at the subsequent reunions in 2023 and wish everyone a safe trip home during the current heatwave across Europe.
