Many Adriatic alumni and 42 UWC Changshu China alums have joined us in Duino for their respective 10- and 5-year reunions
Duino was filled with familiar faces — and some welcome new ones — last weekend when 147 UWC Adriatic alumni and 50 from UWC Changshu China arrived to celebrate their respective 10- and 5-year reunions. From swimming in porto to chatting on Bar al Castel’s shady patio, everyone enjoyed having some classic Duino summer fun while catching up on the exciting things their friends have been up to since graduating from the College. An exciting programme of activities kept the alumni busy at the College from Friday to Sunday, but as former UWC students, they’re no strangers to a packed schedule. The joy of being together again underscored the value of the UWC experience, which the alumni have helped provide to an incoming student arriving in August through their generations’ donations to fund a scholarship during the reunion.
There was a great line-up of activities during the reunion, including those organised by the alumni themselves. After arriving and enjoying a welcome aperitivo in the recently renovated Fore Courtyard on Friday, they all headed to an osmiza, following a local tradition of having delicious homemade produce and drinks at the households of local farmers. On Saturday, Marta Martínez Fernández and Sava Petovic organised a swim in Porto, and afterwards everyone was delighted to gather in true UWC spirit for an Open Mic, organised by Vadim Lacroix and filled with talented and fun performances by several alumni.
On Saturday morning, the Duino and Changshu cohorts met to discuss the impact that their UWC experiences had on their lives. The current heads of both colleges, Khalid El-Metaal and Simon Head, were present for these conversations where alumni spoke about the value of the diverse social experience at UWC, challenges of transitioning out of their College community, their various career paths, and provided feedback based on their experiences as students. As people shared stories about their years at UWC, we were reminded of the importance of giving back to the College to ensure that this transformative educational experience continues to be available for students from all countries and backgrounds. Valentina Bach, Adriatic’s Secretary General, mentioned in her remarks that proceeds from this year’s reunion fundraising will help achieve this by supporting a scholarship for an incoming student from Uganda.
Saturday evening included some touching moments. UWCAD alumni discovered objects, letters, and photos they had left in a “time capsule” 10 years ago as graduates. Everyone was also moved when Aleksandra K. Wiśniewska spoke to the group about her humanitarian work in Yemen and how the generosity and warmth of people who supported her there reminded her of the uplifting, and even life-saving, nature of the connections they formed in their UWC community.
Additionally, the group had a Zoom call led by Sydney Ross to connect with co-years who could not make it to Duino for the reunion. The busy day was capped off with a Gala Dinner and Auction (hosted by the amazing Benedetto) under the stars and hanging lights on Fore Lawn, where people scored items like a hand-made crochet shirt and delicious local Gubana, as well as treasures like Marina’s signed apron and World Arts and Cultures textbooks signed by Henry Thomas.
The alumni had a great time reconnecting and making more memories together during a beautiful weekend in Duino. The good times also went towards a great cause — together, they raised €9,000 which will contribute to a scholarship for Kaya, an incoming student from Uganda. It was sad to say goodbye on Sunday, but we are so proud of this cohort’s accomplishments and values and we already cannot wait to have them back for another reunion!
