This year marks the 25th anniversary of the London, U.K. Alumni event, a gathering that has turned into a tradition bringing Mount Allison graduates together for more than two decades. What began as a simple idea for alumni to connect has evolved into an annual celebration of connection, shared experiences, and school spirit.

Eric Brown (‘77) has been the organizer of the London, U.K. event since its inception in 1998. This year’s milestone took place at Browns Brasserie & Bar Old Jewry on Feb. 15.

“The mathematically inclined will have spotted that if these gatherings started in 1998, then this should be the 28th and not the 25th,” says Brown. “COVID interfered and we missed two years and one year we held an online get-together. But online was not a form for the event that we wanted to continue. People wanted the mid-winter break of meeting in London.”

After completing his Bachelor of Science and a Certificate in Engineering at Mount Allison, Brown went on to earn degrees at the Nova Scotia Technical College (now part of Dalhousie University) and at Queen’s University before embarking on a distinguished career in technology and telecommunications. His work has taken him across borders, but despite settling in the U.K., he never left Mount Allison behind. Instead, he brought it with him — creating a home away from home for alumni, students, and Mount Allison’s Rhodes Scholars attending the renowned University of Oxford.

“This 25-year milestone is not an intentional one,” he says. “It has been reached because people think of their time at Mount Allision with fondness and have affection for the place. We enjoy getting together to see old friends and to meet new ones. This is based on shared experiences and wanting to stay connected to the University both as a group and as individuals.”

Although there had been sporadic alumni events in the U.K. in the late 80s and early 90s, none were consistent. Brown connected with alumna Angela Hennigar (‘95) who was also interested in the idea of hosting an event. Together, they organized the first gathering. After the inaugural event, Hennigar returned to Canada before plans for an annual tradition had taken shape. The following year, Brown thought, "Why not do it again?" and the event became an annual occurrence.

“I suppose the events were started more by serendipity than inspiration, but it aligned with both a desire to do something to support the University and to respond to how much people seemed to appreciate the opportunity to come together.”

The format of the event has remained largely unchanged, with a gathering in January or early February. A vast number of graduating classes attend with every decade being represented over the years.

Some attendees have lived in the U.K. for a long time, while others are new arrivals. Some come every year, while others have joined once or twice. While social media has changed how alumni connect, Brown says there is something uniquely valuable about meeting in person and having a pleasant afternoon together to share stories and experiences.

With so many memorable moments, Brown says it’s difficult to choose just one standout memory. However, he recalls a special moment from the first gathering in 1998.

“We didn’t really have a guest speaker, but Sister Elaine McInnes (‘44) was there and agreed to say a few words. She told us about some remarkable anecdotes from her remarkable life as a Catholic nun and Zen Master, hiding from gun-carrying types in distant countries, and her work in prisons,” says Brown. “We had expected something rather different, but her speech was great!”

Another highlight over the years has been the attendance of several Rhodes Scholars, who have shared their experiences at Oxford with fellow alumni.

“What I appreciate most is the opportunity to meet so many Allisonians,” he says. “In the 25 years we have been doing this, we have had representation from 1944 through to the present, which gives a view of the University across 80 years. It is remarkable how much has changed, but also how much has stayed the same or at least is very recognizable.”

Brown says that Mount Allison has always been very supportive of these events, with a representative usually attending — many of those years it was the late Gloria Jollymore (‘77), former alumni director and VP, university advancement.

This year President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ian Sutherland and VP University Advancement Courtney Pringle-Carver attended on behalf of the University.

“It makes the connection immediate and real,” says Brown. “There is a clear desire to know how the University is doing and how it is developing.”

Another key role of the event has been supporting recent graduates who have moved to the U.K. for studies or work.

“This can result in giving these new arrivals access to someone who can give advice or help build a social or work network,” says Brown.

As the event marks its 25th year, Brown remains committed to continuing this special tradition, giving alumni in the U.K. an annual welcoming place to reconnect and celebrate their shared experiences at Mount Allison.