In September, Ustinov College has bid farewell to our existing members and looks forward to welcoming several hundred new students to Durham University.
At the start of the month, we hosted a Farewell Reception for the 2018/2019 cohort, where staff and mentors were able to say goodbye to both resident and non-resident members before their journeys home. These events are always a great opportunity to share experiences of Ustinov College and to make plans for the Congregation ceremonies that many members will enjoy in January 2020.
Alongside this event, the latest edition of The Ustinovian was published, which provides an overview of the activities of Ustinovians over the course of the last academic year. This edition features articles on Volunteering and Engagement, the International Women’s Group, our Hairstyles and Lifestyles Society and a brief history of our new home at Sheraton Park. You can access The Ustinovian online here.
In late September, our Housekeeping, Portering, Operations, Hospitality and Membership Teams have been busy preparing for the arrival of our new cohort of students, who join Ustinov from across the globe. We are pleased to have regained Brackenbury Block as part of Ustinov College for the Academic Year 2019/2020, to accommodate our students alongside those living at Keenan House and at Sheraton Park. The Graduate Common Room, Global Citizenship Programme and College staff have organised a vibrant programme of Induction activities, including film nights, the Induction Formal, Ustinov Quizzes, and GCP Taster Sessions. We also have dedicated welcome events for our new families and non-resident members.
In addition, we already have a range of events organised by the GCP to celebrate Black History Month in October, including a lecture in Durham Miners’ Hall, an African Drumming Workshop, film night, and Café Scientifique seminar.
For alumni, we hope to organise another London event before the end of the academic year. Further information will be circulated in due course.
It is always a pleasure to hear from our alumni – if you would like to get in touch, please use our alumni email address.