Some of them might have needed maps to find their rooms in new residences, but the flood of visitors that arrived in Duino this weekend were no tourists: the College was thrilled to welcome back alumni from generations between 1998 and 2003 for their 20-year Reunion. Many brought their partners and families along, and the village was buzzing with excitement as people reconnected with each other and returned to a place full of so many special memories.
During the Reunion, the alumni were treated to performances by many of their talented peers, including a poetry reading by María Ovelar (Spain) on Friday evening and an exclusive concert for auction-winners on Saturday that featured spirited singing as well as a piano concert by Adam Zukiewicz (Poland) and Gjergji Gaqi (Albania). Thanks to Edgars Stafeckis (Latvia) and Shir Givoni (Israel), alumni also had the chance to go for a swim together in porto and participate in a guided meditation on Fore Lawn to unwind after a busy weekend of fun.
Reconnecting with their community reinforced how special an experience it was to attend UWC Adriatic, and how the friends and memories made here are truly lasting and transformative. This was especially clear during the plenary session, where Chikoti Wheat (Zambia), Amer Shurrab (Palestine), Magda Joshi (Poland), former History teacher Eunice Price (UK), and others spoke about the ways their journeys have been shaped by this College.
Children of the alumni also got in on the fun by participating in programs led by some of some current students and 2023 graduates who volunteered to help during the weekend. They played water games, painted, competed in football and Twister, and connected with others their age from all over the world, just like their parents were doing. While the kids had a blast at a Pizza Party on Saturday night, their parents were enjoying a lovely Gala Dinner on Fore Lawn and then bidding fiercely for items – like an apron signed by Marina, “Duino air in a bottle” and several delicious local food and wine specialties – in the auction brilliantly hosted by Paolo Falcone (Italy) and Lorena Sánchez Barrero (Bolivia).
The memorable weekend was made all the more meaningful by everyone’s amazing contributions to a scholarship fundraiser. Through donations and auction bids, the alumni raised an incredible €26,763 to support a scholarship for Kaya – an incoming student from Uganda. Their generosity was just one of many impressive traits on display during this reunion, and we couldn’t have been happier to welcome such a fantastic group back to the College. Their 30-year reunion can’t arrive fast enough!
