More than 200 alumni returned to campus in March to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Grizedale College at Lancaster University, marking the milestone with a weekend of reflection, reconnection, shared memories and, of course, partying!

Graduates from across the decades attended the celebrations, many of whom continue to support the University community through many ways, such as mentoring current students and contributing to the Lancaster University Opportunity Fund. The event provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with one another and revisit the College that played such an important role in their time at Lancaster.

The most recent Grizedale Principal, Dr Karen Wright, welcomed guests back to campus and reflected on the enduring spirit of the College.

“It was incredibly special to welcome so many members of the Grizedale community back to campus to celebrate this milestone,” she said. “Over the past 50 years the College has been shaped by the people who have lived, worked and studied here, and hearing those stories again reminds us just how strong the Grizedale spirit continues to be.”

The celebrations also featured contributions from figures closely connected with the College’s history. Marion McClintock, Honorary Archivist and Honorary Fellow, shared reflections on the early years of the University and the development of its collegiate system. Former Principal Andrew Okey joined Karen in conversation about his new book, Never Forget: A History of Grizedale College.

Among those attending were several individuals who helped shape the College over the decades, including founding Principal Rev Paul Warren and former Principals Bob Bliss, Jim Wood and Patrick Montague. The first-ever College Manager, Betty Errington, was also present, along with former College Manager Barbara Glass, who was warmly welcomed back to the College Office where she took up her mantle as though she’d never left!

Guests also enjoyed live music throughout the celebrations, including performances from alumni band GreenStax and staff band The Usuals, as well as the now-legendary Grizedale disco.

Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operation Officer Susan Mitchell said the reunion highlighted the lasting impact of the college experience: “I was genuinely blown away by the stories alumni shared about their time at Lancaster and the role the colleges played in shaping their experience,” she said. “It was wonderful to see so many generations reconnecting. Events like this reaffirm just how important the collegiate system is to the University, and Lancaster remains deeply committed to supporting and strengthening our colleges for the future.”

For current students, the opportunity to meet alumni and hear their stories was a highlight of the celebrations. Suhaani Hardikar, President of the College’s Junior Common Room, said the event reinforced the sense of belonging that defines Grizedale.

“Meeting alumni from across the decades has been incredibly inspiring for current students,” she said. “Hearing their memories and seeing how proud they still are of Grizedale reminds us that we’re part of something much bigger than our time here. We hope we can continue that legacy and make Grizedale alumni proud.”

Photos can be viewed in our Facebook albums on the Lancaster Alumni Facebook page!