University alumni celebrate enduring friendship at their 45-year Derby Hall reunion

Posted on: 8 May 2024 in 2024

In April 2024, 20 alumni from Derby Hall Class of 1980/81 came together at the Philharmonic Pub for their 45-year reunion.

Reunion organiser Paul Cornelius (BEng Engineering Science and Industrial Management, 1980) shares an insight into their evening together:

"Friendship is an emotion that is as difficult to define as it is to maintain, particularly with little contact and diverse careers in a global environment.

So, what brought so much enjoyment and amusement to a group of assorted characters at their 45-year reunion? The service and atmosphere at the Philharmonic Dining rooms were magnificent. Being a 2-minute walk from “Ye Cracke” was a bonus for those of us who still had the naivete and stamina of youth. However, it was the relationships built in the late 1970s and early 1980s when we lived together in Derby Hall and played rugby or football for the University of Liverpool. These are the shared experiences that stand the test of time. We owe much to the camaraderie, empathy, and rapport of those formative years which influenced our vocations.

We spent the evening reminiscing through rose-tinted glasses, remembering the absurdity of our behaviours with hilarity and humour, and remembering friends who are no longer with us.

While some of the frailer fraternity opted for a reasonable bedtime, the resilient among us could be found visiting old haunts into the early hours. An exceptional evening was had by ex-students plus wives. The 50-year reunion is already scheduled, though the actuaries tell us we only need a table for 16."

_{Derby Hall Class of 1980/81 2014 Reunion with Gordon Hall, the Warden at Derby Hall when Paul and co. lived there}.

If you would be interested in organising a reunion with your University friends – whether that be old hallmates, coursemates, or sports teammates – contact the Alumni Relations team via alumni@liverpool.ac.uk to discuss how we can support your event.