The graduates studied in Preston between 1948 and 1969
Former members of the Harris Institute and Harris College were welcomed back to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) last week to reminisce about their time as students in Preston.
The guests took a walk down memory lane as part of the annual Harris Alumni Reunion.
All attendees studied at ‘The Harris’ with the oldest studying in 1948 and the youngest in 1969, just a few years before UCLan became Lancashire Polytechnic in 1973.
Guests were given a talk on The Histories of the Harris, a publication written by Professor Keith Vernon, Principal Lecturer and University Historian, and Helen Howell, a MRes History alumna of UCLan.
The publication details the fascinating stories of alumni from the very last classes of the Harris Institute prior to the change of name to the Harris College in 1953, a time when Preston was a thriving and commercial town. Many of the alumni who feature in the booklet attended the reunion and all look back fondly at their time here.
"They are a delight to spend time with and a joy to host, making this event a highlight of our year"
— Maggie Wild, Head of Alumni and Development at UCLan
After the talk, guests were treated to afternoon tea and a performance from the UCLan Chamber Choir who delighted with a medley of hits from The Beatles.
Speaking of the event, 1963 alumna, Pam Potter (née Platt), said: “It was great to see many of our friends from the Harris Institute, and meet new friends as well.”
Maggie Wild, Head of Alumni and Development at UCLan, said: “Our Harris alumni are so precious to us and show the long-lasting impact of education throughout life. They are a delight to spend time with and a joy to host, making this event a highlight of our year.”
The Histories of the Harris is available, free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis to anyone who would like one. Contact the Alumni Network for more details.
If you attended the Harris Institute or Harris College and would like to stay connected, contact the Alumni Network via email or call 01772 892344.
