In early June, U Alumni hosted a European U Alumni Weekend for alumni from across Europe to forge new connections and reconnect with their alma mater.
During the weekend, alumni enjoyed a tour of the manufacturing facility for the BMW Automobile Company, arranged by BMW CEO and U alum Oliver Zipse. On the tour, alums got to see how the world-class luxury cars and motorcycles are produced and got an insight into the products that will be coming to the global auto market now and in the future.
Later that evening, U Alumni hosted a welcome reception with University of Utah staff and alumni (including Chief Alumni Relations Officer Kris Bosman BS’99 and Sr. Advancement Director of Alumni Engagement Cory Nelson BA’12 MPA’16) at restaurant Augustiner Bräustuben. Alums took in the views of Munich from the rooftop patio as they enjoyed food and beverages and each other’s company.
The next day started with a walking tour of Munich where the group visited the highlights in the center of town and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Bavaria. After the walking tour, the group visited the historic Oktoberfest Museum.
After a day in the city, alumni enjoyed a reception and dinner where President Randall HBA’90 presented on the U’s goal of becoming a Top 10 Public Institution with unsurpassed societal impact. Utah Senate President and U alum Stuart Adams BA’78 also spoke with the alumni about the strength of Utah’s economy, the potential of the Winter Olympics being held in SLC again, and the importance of the University of Utah to the state. University VP of Innovation Troy D’Ambrosio BA’82 also spoke about the progress the U is making on integrated learning for all students across all majors.
As the weekend drew to a close, alumni partook in a fully-guided tour of one of the most iconic sights in Germany, the Neuschwanstein Castle. Alums went to the heart of Bavaria and saw the German countryside and the Bavarian Alps.
Overall, it was a weekend filled with culture, history, beautiful landscapes, and most importantly—good company! Thank you to all who joined us on this memorable trip. Don’t miss the next alumni gathering near you—you can join a chapter or check out our events calendar to stay up to date. More photos of the trip can be found on U Alumni’s Facebook page.