Eight decades of alumni gathered together

16-Aug-2011

Graduates from BTI, BCNZ and Laidlaw (ranging from Bill Hayward who graduated in 1949 to Tatiana Hotere who graduated earlier this year) came together on 5 and 6 August for a weekend full of great conversations, rich theological teaching, inspiring and encouraging stories and delicious food. It was a joy to witness the reconnection of students with each other, and meal times were punctuated by gales of laughter as graduates recalled their years of study together.

Some highlights of the weekend were the live jazz music during dinner on Friday night (provided by Jazzlines); the spectacular mid-winter Christmas dinner on Saturday night (provided by Laidlaw’s chef, Garth Flannagan); the stories of graduates Zena Wrigley, John Blaiklock, Jane Hepburn and Alan Aitken; Saturday morning coffee at the Twos & Threes cafe; the grand tour of the campus; and the excellent teaching on Friday night and Saturday morning.

In his final address, Principal Rod Thompson thanked those present for being part of what he hopes will be the start of a renewed sense of connection for Laidlaw College alumni, with each other and with the College. A group of friends who stand together, combined in purpose, is a powerful force for renewal in the world, as evidenced by William Wilberforce and the Clapham sect. This is the hope Laidlaw College holds for its alumni – that across differences in age, experience and church denomination – our alumni would find courage and strength in unity.

To facilitate this connection, the College will be forming an Alumni Association, directed by an alumni planning committee made up of current staff and past graduates. We look forward to see what emerges in this area to carry forward this vision of an enlivened, informed and active community of Laidlaw College alumni.

Audio recordings of the talks delivered and a photo gallery can be viewed below.