Alumni events and reunions
As a member of the QMU family myself, it was amazing to see so many of our graduates come together throughout our 150th anniversary year. Your enthusiasm, stories, and the pride you continue to carry for QMU made 2025 a truly unforgettable milestone in our shared history.
From one graduate to another: thank you.
Warmest wishes,
Thomas Kelly
Head of Development & Alumni Relations
QMU Graduate
Alumni events
One of the real highlights of the year was meeting graduates at our celebration and networking events in London and Edinburgh. Whether we were speaking for the first time or reconnecting after many years, every conversation reminded me why QMU is such a special community.
Hearing what shaped your time here - friendships forged, passions discovered, confidence gained - reinforced something I feel deeply as a graduate: QMU stays with us. It becomes part of who we are.
These events weren’t just gatherings; they were moments of warm reflection and optimism, offering the chance to celebrate 150 years of QMU while imagining what the next chapter will bring.
We’re already planning more events for 2026, and I would be delighted to see you there. If you’d like to receive updates, please get in touch at
E: alumni@qmu.ac.uk.
Alumni campus visits
Another highlight of the year was welcoming alumni back to campus as guest speakers. We were fortunate to hear from Susan Black, former Director of Communications at Liverpool FC (you may remember Susan from last year’s magazine); Sally Gray MBE, founder of Presenters Inc; and Professor Alex McMahon OBE, former Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland.
Their willingness to share their experience, wisdom and reflections enriched our students, staff and fellow alumni. Their generosity captures the essence of the QMU spirit - a commitment to supporting, inspiring and uplifting one another.
I also had the pleasure of welcoming two of our former Students’ Union Presidents back to campus in August. Timothy Hammond-Evans (1999/2000 and 2000/01) and Erica Russell‑Hensen (2004/05) joined us for the unveiling of our QMU150 public artwork. They also enjoyed sharing their memories and passing on their wisdom to our current SU Presidents.
Class reunions
It was heartwarming to see so many of you organising reunions throughout our 150th anniversary year - celebrating friendships, sharing treasured memories and continuing the QMU story in your own special ways.
Although I wasn’t able to attend these reunions myself, I was genuinely delighted to hear all about them from my colleagues. The wider alumni team had the joy of being there on the day, and they spoke so warmly of the laughter, reminiscence and connection that filled each gathering. I’m grateful to them for representing our department with such care and enthusiasm.
A particularly special moment was welcoming back a group of former Atholl Crescent students who returned to campus to celebrate more than 60 years since beginning their studies at the Edinburgh School of Domestic Science in 1963. Even hearing about it from afar, the warmth and pride of the group was unmistakable.
The ‘Great 150 Lunch’, hosted by the Queen Margaret University Association, brought together over 130 graduates - the largest gathering of former QMU students last year. It’s clear how joyful, nostalgic and energising the day was for everyone involved (Read more about this on the QMU Association Report).
If you’re thinking of reconnecting with classmates, friends or your year group, the alumni team and I would be delighted to support you. Simply reach out at E: alumni@qmu.ac.uk.