Five Highlights: Reunion Weekend 2018

On 23-24 November 2018 we held the inaugural Reunion Weekend for alumni of the Melbourne Medical School and School of Biomedical Sciences.

We welcomed graduates back to campus to celebrate the alumni community and the Med Building’s 50th anniversary. With a jam-packed program of events running over Friday night and all day Saturday, we saw more than 1000 alumni and guests walk back through the doors of the Med Building.

1. Med Building 50th Anniversary Block Party

On Friday night we kicked things off with the Med Building 50th Anniversary Block Party. Guests enjoyed a BBQ dinner and drinks along Brownless Walk and explored the Med Building Open House. There was a lot to see in the Med Building, including the Virtual Reality Learning Studios, Centre for Muscle Research, Anatomy Museum and old student common room.

Despite the weather, our alumni and guests had a fantastic time catching up with one another and checking out the features, both old and new, of the Med Building.

2. Premiere screening: It Started in the Sunderland

Watching the premiere screening of It Started in the Sunderland was a highlight for many. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Med Building, the documentary celebrates the people who have worked and studied within its walls over the last half-century. With choc tops and wine allowed in the Sunderland Theatre for one night only, this was a night not to be missed!

3. Discovery tours

Saturday began with a series of discovery tours around the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. Visitors explored the vast network of tunnels under the Royal Melbourne Hospital, learned more about the Metro tunnel works and the new Parkville Station, and took in the exhibition The art of healing: Australian Indigenous bush medicine at the Medical History Museum.

4. Panel discussion

In the afternoon it was back to the Sunderland for the Medical Research: Evolution and Progress panel discussion. Our panel of esteemed researchers included Laureate Professor Peter Doherty AC, Professor Suzanne Cory AC, Professor Judith Whitworth AC, Associate Professor Bruce Campbell, Sarah-Jane Dawson and Dr Sybil McAuley, and was expertly facilitated by the ABC’s Natasha Mitchell.

5. Reunions!

We were delighted to host the very first Chiron Luncheon for alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago. We also wish to congratulate the MBBS Classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2006, and 2008 who all celebrated reunions over the weekend.

Thank you to all who attended ­­– the success of this year’s reunion program is a testament to the strength and deep connection within our alumni community.

We’re looking forward to doing at all again next year. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2019 Reunion Weekend dates, which will be released shortly!

View Reunion Weekend photos

More Information

MDHS Alumni Team

mdhs-reunion@unimelb.edu.au

+61 3 9035 7869