Preston’s university went back to its roots with a celebration for former Harris College students to come together.
AdvertisementNow known as the University of Central Lancashire the institution has gone by many names previously.
The reunion is one of a number of events for the university’s 190 years anniversary.
More than 60 former students attended to reminsce about the Harris College and their time there.
The oldest alumni in attendance studied in 1944 and the youngest finished their studies in 1971.
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Arthur Whitlock was one of those who attended and studied in the 1950s.
He said: “The sheer size of the place is the biggest difference from my time here.
“I’ve got a lovely friendship with everybody. Everybody knows me here. I love being part of this University, I’m glad to work on the bursary and I have so many friends here, every event that they have on there’s always someone that asks if I’m coming.”
Arthur has since gone on to become a UCLan honorary fellow in 2016 and has helped to establish the university’s Harris Bursary Fund.
UCLan vice-chancellor professor Mike Thomas delivered a speech at the event.
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He said: “I am delighted that so many of our past students were able to attend the Harris Alumni Reunion, which we held to celebrate our 190th Anniversary.
“It was wonderful to meet such a wonderful and diverse group of people who are all so proud to be part of the legacy of the University and, of course, the City of Preston. I look forward to welcoming them back to the University again in the near future.”
Did you attend the Harris College? Let us know in the comments below